The Phuket News November 1, 2019

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Wildlife chief warns of loris photo touts

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Community key in preventing drowning ONWR Secretary-General Somkiat Prajamwong (left) explains to the press the move to tackle Phuket’s impending water shortages as Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana looks on. Photo: PR Dept

ONWR CHIEF ORDERS FAST ACTION TO AVOID PHUKET WATER SHORTAGES AS RESERVOIRS REMAIN LOW The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he Chief of the Office National Water Resources (ONWR) on Monday gave Phuket officials a clear order to develop more local water sources in order to avoid water shortages that may affect local residents and main tourist areas.

The ONWR is special in that it operates directly under the Prime Minister’s Office. Specifically, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is the Chairman of the ONWR Executive Committee.

The agency was established last

year by direct order of PM Prayut to resolve the country’s recurring water crises in the hope of avoiding disaster.

The ONWR only on Tuesday again listed Phuket as one of 22 provinces at risk of a dire water shortage.

ONWR Secretary-General Somkiat Prajamwong delivered his message in person at a meeting of government officials at Phuket Provincial Hall, attended by Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana.

The focus of the meeting was given as to prepare water supply plans and budgets and action plans for 2020-2022 for Phuket in order to come up with solutions of integrated

water problems of floods, droughts and wastewater.

ONWR Chief Mr Somkiat explained that the prime minister’s orders are to have a process for creating water resources management plans and flood prevention areas for economic units by the ONWR collaborating with agencies related to the preparation of water resource management plans and flood prevention plans in important economic areas of the country, including prioritising efforts in various provinces such as Phuket, Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai. The aim is to implement short-, medium- and long-term plans by inte-

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grating government, local and private agencies to solve water problems as a whole system, he added.

Mr Somkiat noted that about 80% of the people in Phuket rely on municipal water supply.

“Currently the average demand is 220,000 cubic metres per day, or 80 million m 3 per year, while the current production capacity is about 188,000 m3 per day, or 68.62mn m3 per year,” he added.

Mr Somkiat pointed out that the three water-production stations under the Phuket Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) can produce 84,000m3/ day or 30mn m3/year…

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Communities get ready for Loy Krathong festival > p5

Residents dig in over mangroves Local vote forces B720mn ‘ring road’ to avoid forest, local homes Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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ocal residents in Pa K hlok have voted against the last stage of a four-lane “ring road” being paved through the area from passing through mangroves, forcing the Highways Department to redraw its plans and resubmit them for approval.

The “ring road” project to expand Route 4026 through Pa Khlok at a cost of B720 million aims to ease the expected impending traffic congestion when construction of the Phuket light-rail finally begins.

The affected section of the road is a stretch of 140 metres that was to be elevated as it passed through a mangrove forest covering about 217 rai, Phuket Highways Office Director Somwang Lohanut

The last stage of the four-lane B720-million ring road will now have to go around the mangrove forest and avoid local residents’ houses. Photo: Highways Dept told The Phuket News last Thursday (Oct 24).

“The people want to pre-

serve the mangroves in their community, which is the major reason for them requiring

this project to keep clear of mangroves,” he said.

“We have presented them

an alternative route which goes around the mangrove forest, avoiding the mangroves entirely” Mr Somwang added.

Initially, the plan was for the road to be elevated and pass directly through the mangroves, but due to objections from local residents an alternative route which passed through a smaller part of the mangrove forest was presented – but that too was rejected, Mr Somwang explained.

“People still insisted that the road avoid all mangroves and many local residents’ houses,” he said.

“Finally, it was agreed at a public hearing to use the route that does not pass through any mangroves at all and does not pass people’s houses,” Mr Somwang confirmed.

However, he added, “But this new route means many

more curves along the road, which means it will take more construction.”

The new route has been submitted to superior officers in Bangkok, who will have to present it to be approved as part of the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Mr Somwang said.

“Hopefully it will be approved quickly. The checks will be very thorough, but I am pushing for this to be done and approved by April next year,” he added.

Mr Somwang said he still predicted Thepkrasattri Rd to be heavily affected once construction of the light-rail finally begins.

“Lanes will likely have to be closed while the construction continues. The traffic will definitely be slower, and this road is already nearly full to capacity with traffic,” he said.

Water woes get national attention

Continued from page 1 …Three stations under the Public Water Division of Phuket City Municipality can produce 41,000m 3/day, or 15mn m3/year, while seven stations under the public water divisions of other local administrations can produce 15,000m3/day, or 5mn m3/year.

The entire public water production is supplemented by some eight to 10 stations operated by private companies that can produce 48,000m3/ day, or 15mn m 3/year, he added.

“As can be seen, the amount of water produced is insufficient for people’s needs, so additional water sources have to be found,” Mr Somkiat said.

“From the above information, it was found that the amount of water produced is not enough to meet demand of the people; therefore, there is a need to develop more water sources,” he added.

After delivering his message to Phuket officials, Mr Somkiat explained to the press, “Phuket is a target province that is expected to be affected by water shortages even though the area has a lot of rain.

“The prime minister has

ONWR Chief Somkiat delivered his orders in Phuket in person on Monday (Oct 28). Photo: ONWR reiterated his request for the need to develop long-term preparations, with today’s meeting having two conclusions.

“The first is ‘How to solve water shortages’. However, Phuket has sufficient water sources but still lacks the means to maintain its water retention network.

“That has to be linked together, all of which will require a survey to make clear which areas are to be targeted, how much water is needed and which areas will be water storage areas.”

The focus on Phuket is included in a master plan for the country, Mr Somkiat noted.

“A five-year plan must be made. The ONWR has already received water management plans from various departments, but some agencies

have yet to inform us of their proposals. We are now asking for their cooperation.

The ONWR chief also gave local officials a very short deadline to comply with their cooperation.

“The plan from Phuket province is expected to take no more than 10 days for us to receive because the Phuket governor will call a meeting of relevant agencies to expedite the plan in order to get consistent information in both the requirements of water use and raw water sources.

“This matter is the prime minister’s priority. He has reiterated clearly that he does not want water shortages, especially in important economic areas such as Phuket province,” Mr Somkiat said.

The ONWR reported on Tuesday (Oct 29) that Bang Wad reservoir, the island’s main reservoir in Kathu, contained 2.65mn m3 of its 10.2mn m3 capacity – about 26% full – with only 2.38mn m3 of that water usable.

Bang Neow Dam reservoir in Thalang on Tuesday contained 0.63mn m3, only 8.68% of its capacity, the ONWR also reported. Of that, only 0.52mn m 3 was usable, the agency added. thephuketnews

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Wildlife chief warns of slow loris photo touts

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The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he Chief of the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area has urged people to report any touts seen with a slow loris trying to charge tourists to have their photo taken with the native mammal.

Many tourists are unaware that slow lorises are a protected species, said Khao Phra Thaew Chief Piyawat Sukhon.

“I believe that the tourists who have their photos taken with a loris do not know that it is illegal just because lorises look cute… I want to inform them that it is wrong and it makes it look like they support animal trafficking. It may inspire people to hunt more slow lorises,” he said.

Mr Piyawat said that from Oct 1 last year to the end of September this year his officers arrested more than 10 suspects for illegal possession of a slow loris, all used to charge tourists to have their photos taken with the nocturnal animal.

“And Karon Beach is where we found the most,” he said.

“Some of the people arrested told me that it is easier to find a loris than it was before. One loris used to cost B8,000 to B10,000, but now the price for one loris is so low that they can easily buy a loris for about B3,000,” Mr Piyawat added.

“If you see anyone making money from a loris, please take photos of them

The Indian man was rushed ashore at Kata Beach late Monday afternoon (Oct 28) but was later pronounced dead. Photo: Karon Police

Indian tourist dies after Kata rescue The slow loris was found with many small wounds and its left paw missing, believed to have been inflicted by an electric shock. Photo: Khao Phra Thaew Nature and Wildlife Education Centre and inform me at 089-8737749 – at any time,” he said.

The call to report slow loris touts follows an injured loris being found by a Kusoldharm rescue worker in Patong on Oct 17. The loris had many small wounds on its body and its left paw was missing, with the bones protruding from its stump.

The loris was handed over to a veterinarian to receive treatment for its injuries the next day. On examining the animal, the veterinarian believed that the loris was injured by an electric shock, explained Pongchart Chouehorm, chief

of the Nature and Wildlife Education Centre at Khao Phra Thaew.

Over the next three days, the loris regained some strength and its small wounds recovered. However, the exposed left stump became infected, leading to the veterinarian having to operate to amputate further up the arm to stop spread of infection Tuesday last week (Oct 22).

The operation took one hour and 20 minutes, from 8pm to 9:20pm.

“The loris was fatigued but able to eat and drink by itself. It is still being fed vitamins and water and being taken close care of,” Mr Pongchart said.

Cambodian woman arrested for trafficking, beating boys in Patong A CAMBODIAN WOMAN HAS BEEN arrested for operating a human-trafficking ring in Patong, using young boys to sell flowers at night and sunglasses along Patong Beach during the day, the Immigration Bureau has announced.

The arrest was announced by Immigration Bureau Deputy Commander Maj Gen Pornchai Khuntee at a press conference in Bangkok last Friday (Oct 25) with a host of high-ranking immigration officials present.

The 24-year-old woman, who was named only as “Ms Kimhang”, was arrested at the Sa Kaew border crossing to Cambodia at 2:30pm on Oct 20, said Gen Pornchai.

She was wanted on arrest warrant No. 98/ 2019 issued by the Phuket Provincial Court on April 18, he said.

Kimhang has been charged with trafficking youths under 15 years old, causing bodily harm and hiring youths under 15 years of age as employees.

Kimhang was one of four people wanted for human trafficking in Patong, Gen Pornchai said.

The four tricked Cambodian boys 13 to 16 years old into sell flowers and sunglasses in Patong. Kimhang was responsible for picking up the boys at different places in Patong and keeping lookout for police, he said.

The boys worked from 8am to 9pm every day and were kept at a rented house on RathU-Thit 200 Pi Rd in Patong. If the boys could not make the target of about B2,000-3,000 per day, they would be beaten with a clothes hanger, he added. @thephuketnews

The arrest was announced by Immigration Bureau Deputy Commander Maj Gen Pornchai Khuntee at a press conference in Bangkok today (Oct 25). Photo: Immigration Bureau In January last year, two mothers of trafficked boys came to Patong and informed Phuket Immigration officers of the operation, Gen Pornchai explained.

“Those four traffickers fled, and so immigration officers filed a request to Phuket Provincial Court for an arrest warrant.

“As a result of their investigation, police knew that Kimhang was still staying in Thailand and she later tried to flee the country through the Sa Kaew checkpoint,” Gen Pornchai said.

“Phuket Immigration officers informed Sa Kaew Immigration to arrest Ms Kimhang and send her to Patong Police Station for prosecution,” Gen Pornchai added.

Immigration officers are continuing to search for the other three suspects, he said.

The Phuket News

KARON POLICE CHIEF Col Prawit Sutthirueangarun on Tuesday confirmed that an Indian tourist has died after being pulled from the surf at Kata Beach unconscious and unresponsive late Monday afternoon (Oct 28).

Col Prawit told The Phuket News that Capt Channarong Prakongkue of the Karon Police was notified of the man’s death at 5:40pm by medical staff at the Accident and Emergency Center of yet-to-open Chalong Hospital.

Police were told by witnesses at the scene that the 54-year-old Indian tourist, Yemen-born Vikram Kodendera of Mumbai, was seen struggling in the sea.

Lifeguards rushed to bring

Mr Kodendera ashore and performed CPR on the beach and while he was being transported to the Accident and Emergency Center in Chalong.

However, Mr Kodendera was pronounced dead on arrival at the Accident and Emergency Center, Capt Channarong said.

Capt Channarong explained that Mr Kodendera had arrived in Thailand on holiday last Thursday (Oct 24) and was scheduled to depart on Tuesday (Oct 29).

He was staying alone at a resort in Kata, he added.

Indian embassy officials have been notified of the man’s death. Officers are hoping to contact Mr Kodendera’s family now, he said.

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Man dies in roof plunge

Ransacks woman’s apartment, then leaps to death Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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olice have yet to identify the body of a man found on a clothes shop awning on Thepkrasattri Rd just north of the Heroines Monument early Tuesday morning (Oct 29). The man is believed to have jumped from the roof of the building after ransacking a woman’s apartment.

Capt Kraisorn Boonprasop of the Thalang Police said he was notified of the incident at 5:30am.

Officers arrived at the scene, a two-storey building of rented apartments with a clothes shop on the ground f loor on Thepkrasattri Rd southbound in Srisoonthorn,

People gather at the scene in front of the clothes shop early Tuesday morning (Oct 29). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub about 50 metres north of the Heroines Monument, to find the man’s body on the metal awning.

The man was dressed in black jeans but was not wearing a shirt.

He had suffered a threeinch long wound to his head and was lying very close to a small steel sign box erected on the awning roof.

It was not made clear whether the man’s head had

struck the sign box, causing his death.

A mobile phone was also found on the man’s body, which was taken to Thalang Hospital for further examination.

The owner of the clothes shop, Wararat Dermyiring, reported that she had seen the man climbing out on the roof at about 5am after she was woken by the sound of footsteps on the building’s roof.

Sarocha Thongsap, 38, told officers that a woman – named by police only as “Jane” – who rents an apartment in the building from him had called him to tell him that a man had climbed onto the roof of the building next door and that she saw him through her window.

Sarocha called police, and when officers arrived, the man jumped from the roof, Mr Sarocha said.

The woman, “Ms Jane”, told officers that she had come back from work at midnight and was still relaxing in her room when she heard a noise from the roof. She saw the man using his phone.

While Ms Jane was calling Mr Sarocha and the police, she could hear the man climbing up into her room, she said.

Ms Jane fled the apartment and ran to the ground floor for help.

On returning to her room after the police had arrived, Ms Jane reported that her room was left in a mess from someone going through her things but that nothing was stolen.

Woman expat to be charged for tour van collision in Rawai

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A WOMAN EXPAT IS TO be charged with reckless driving causing injury and damage to property after she pulled out of a side street in Rawai leading to a van carrying tourists ramming into the side of her car on Monday (Oct 28).

The accident occurred in front of a small guesthouse on Wiset Rd, about 200 metres north of the main Rawai market, at about 11:30am, Chalong Municipality rescue workers told The Phuket News.

One foreign woman travelling in the passenger van suffered injuries to her right shoulder, while the woman driving the car also suffered minor injuries, rescue workers reported.

The women were taken to separate private hospitals for treatment of their injuries, rescue workers confirmed.

When speaking to The Phuket News, Capt Jarat Lempan of the Chalong Police named the woman driving the car only as “Ms Helen”.

Capt Jarat explained that according to police investigating the accident, Ms Helen drove out of a side street onto Wiset Rd and started making a U-turn when the tour van struck her car on its right side.

The woman expat will be charged for the accident, said Pol Capt Jarat Lempan.

Photo: Chalong Municipality “The van was carrying tourists from Rawai towards Chalong when the vehicles collided,” he said.

Capt Jarat said that he had been told that “Ms Helen” was reportedly a French-speaking national.

However, he added, “I don’t know the details of the accident or the tourists’ nationality and name yet. I am looking at questioning both foreign women tomorrow,” he added.

Regardless, Capt Jarat confirmed that “Ms Helen” will be charged for the accident.

“Ms Helen will be charged with reckless driving causing injury and reckless driving causing damage to another person’s property,” he said.

“But let’s let her get her medical treatment first. I can talk with her later,” he said.

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Phuket readies for Loy Krathong The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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ocal administration organisations across the island are making preparations for the annual upcoming Loy Krathong Festival, this year to be held on Nov 11.

The traditional annual water festival each year sees krathongs floated as offerings to the water goddess Phra Mae Kongka in the hope she blesses supplicants by keeping negative forces at bay and bringing prosperity in all its forms to their lives.

The Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) will hold its Loy Krathong festivities at Chalong Pier, with many daytime activities, including an alms-giving ceremony for 19 monks at 7am as well as the traditional longtail boat race on Chalong Bay. In the evening, there will be the traditional “Nang Noppamas” beauty pageant and live music and dance performances by students.

Rawai Municipality has announced its schedule of festivities for Loy Krathong, to be held at

In Srisoonthorn, the annual traditional festivities will take on a very Thai country theme, held at the traditional site at age-old village of Bang Maruan. Photo: PR Dept Nai Harn Lake Park, where the traditional Nang Noppamas beauty pageant and other festivities will be held, including the charming “Noo Noi Noppamas” beauty pageant for young children.

There will be Thai country singing competition on Nov 10, and the following night (Nov 11) there will be the beauty pageants as well as “Most Beautiful Krathong” and

“Most Creative Krathong” contests.

Cherng Talay Municipality will hold its festivities at Laguna Grove, located in the Laguna Phuket complex, on Nov 11, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. There will be a mini concert of the singer “Por Annop”, as well as live music performed by a Thai country band from Thung Song School in Nakson Sri Thammarat, a singing contest, a “Most Beautiful

Krathong” contest, and live music and performances by students.

In Srisoonthorn, the annual traditional festivities will take on a very Thai country theme, held at the traditional site at age-old village of Bang Maruan.

Srisoonthorn Mayor Worawut Songyot, joined by Thalang District Chief Adul Chuthong, Thursday last week (Oct 24) announced that local festivities will be held at the main park from Nov 8-11 under the theme “preserving local wisdom”.

The Srisoonthorn festivities will highlight the daily lives of local villagers of yesteryear, especially those of local tin mine workers.

The activities will include classical Thai dance from the period as well as traditional foods from the era, Mayor Worawut explained.

The fair will feature a tin-mining exhibition, demonstrations of local skills handed down through the years, an exhibition of the history of Loy Krathong traditions from past times through to the present, and photo displays for people to see how local Phuket people lived in the past.

“The main purpose of holding

these activities is for participants to learn about our local culture and to preserve our local identity,” he said.

“It also gives people and folk artists in many fields the opportunity to show their works fully and equally and helps to promote tourism to Phuket, and to Srisoonthorn,” he added.

“The event also helps us to pass on Loy Krathong traditions, which is a good traditional festival of Thailand that we have inherited as our cultural heritage from the past to the present, and continue to this day,” Mayor Worawut explained.

To that point, Mayor Woraut also urged all people taking part in the Loy Krathong festivities, “Use natural materials for your krathong in order to reduce the amount of pollution and to help protect the environment”.

“All people are welcome to attend, and to dress in costumes of Phuket yesteryear,” Mayor Worawut said.

“People will find themselves amid an atmosphere of the past that is unique, beautiful and fun, while still preserving Thai arts, culture and traditions, which have a unique identity,’ he added.

Tourists lend a hand recovering Mass of dead fish not natural disaster yacht stranded at Nai Harn T H E YAC H T T H AT drifted onto Nai Harn Beach last Thursday evening (Oct 24) was safely recovered the next morning by a local fishing boat and a host of tourists and local residents helping to push the boat off the beach.

Phuket Marine Office Director Wiwat Chitchertwong told The Phuket News last Friday morning (Oct 25) that the boat owner contacted the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC) for assistance on the Thursday after the yacht had drifted off anchor and was slowly pushed onshore.

The request urged that action be taken quickly to prevent irreparable damage to the boat.

A copy of the written report of the request provided to The Phuket News did not name the owner or identify the yacht.

“I don’t have the details of the boat or the owner’s name and nationality. I received an official report confirming that person had been injured in the incident.

That’s all,” Mr Wiwat said.

Mr Wiwat explained that by the time he arrived at Nai Harn Beach in person, the yacht had already been safely recovered. @thephuketnews

The yacht was safely recovered off Nai Harn Beach last Friday morning (Oct 25). Screengrab: Phuket Cruising Yacht Club “It was moved from the beach at about 9am. A local fishing boat used a rope to pull the boat back out to deeper water while tourists and other people helped to push it off the beach,” he said.

“The boat now has been removed. There is nothing dangerous on the beach anymore. There is nothing to worry about. It was just an accident,” Mr Wiwat said.

Mr Wiwat did not confirm how much damage the boat has sustained or where it was towed to for safety, though videos posted online of the boat being recovered showed the boat did suffer at least a broken mast.

Brent McInnes of the Phuket Cruising Yacht Club, who is often involved in such

salvage operations confirmed the boat is called Ola and is owned by a Russian expat in Phuket.

Mr McInnes also gave high praise to the skipper of the Thai trawler that towed the boat off the beach and the people who lent a hand giving the boat a shove off the sand.

“The driver of the Thai trawler did an outstanding job, as did the people on the beach,” he said.

“They were two hours into a falling tide when they got the boat off the beach.

If the boat was stuck there one more night it could have easily breached and filled with sand – and that would have been a real problem,” he added.

Tanyaluk Sakoot

THE PRESIDENT OF THE Phuket Fishery Association has urged local residents to not panic over a beach at Naka Island, off Phuket’s east coast, being covered with dead fish last Thursday evening (Oct 24) as if from a serious environmental incident.

Phuket Fishery Association President Somyot Wongboonyakul told The Phuket News last Friday (Oct 25) that the mass of dead fish are the leftovers from local fishermen sorting out their catch of anchovies.

“Please don’t panic about it. This is from local fishermen, not a natural disaster,” Mr Somyot said.

Mr Somyot explained that he had confirmed that local fishermen had set up a net to catch anchovies in the waters

Local villagers feared that the fish died from a major environmental incident.

Photo: Bangsan Bangwela just off the beach.

“They wanted to catch only anchovies, but they also caught pony fish in their net. After they brought their net in, they collected only the anchovies from the haul and left the rest of the fish there,” he said.

“It is not a natural disaster.

Please don’t panic about it, but this is not what local fishermen should do,” Mr Somyot said.

Mr Somyot explained that he had no authority of the practices of local village fishermen as his association involved the Phuket commercial fishing fleet.

However he added, “I will raise this with the local fishing association for that area to make sure that the local fishermen there do not keep doing this.”

Meanwhile, Thalang District Chief Adul Chuthong confirmed that local villagers had cleared the dead fish from the beach.

“They wanted to clear the dead fish before they started to rot and cause harm to the local marine ecosystem,” he said.

The Phuket News Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub

Opinion 6

OPINION

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EDITORIAL

Water, where art thou?

he order from the Office National Water Resources (ONWR) Secretary-General Somkiat Prajamwong on Monday for Phuket’s leading officials to take swift action to resolve the island’s ongoing water-supply issue was a long time coming.

Mr Somkiat made it plain that the Phuket Governor will no longer be able to stand aside and wait for everyone else to try to make decisions without seeming to usurp his authority. Instead our Governor now will be held responsible for making sure that local government offices and agencies work together, and he will be responsible for overseeing the plan for water-shortage counter measures that are drawn up and presented to the ONWR. It is not difficult to see where that stance came from.

The blatant willful ignorance

by Phuket’s leading Bangkok-

appointed official during the island’s water shortage crisis earlier this year was dumbfounding, when he was still pretty sure it was not a “crisis” even when the Army was rolling in water trucks from as far as Nakhon Sri Thammarat and Songkhla to poor neighbourhoods and high-set areas left high and dry.

Phuket’s leading official was also adamant that no “water rations” were necessary or being implemented even when water pressure had been reduced so much that many commercial and residential areas were left without running water at all.

Mr Somkiat and the ONWR are not to be trifled with. Not only does the office report directly to the Prime Minister’s Office but PM Prayut Chan-ocha sits as the chairman of its executive committee.

Phuket’s water situation

may not be as critical an issue as the deadly floods in the Northeast in September, or the impending drought predicted for the rice-growing heartlands in the North, Northeast and Central Plains, but the ONWR has finally given the importance of ensuring household water supply in Phuket its rightful place as a key priority.

Whether we will have water reserves to last the coming dry season, we’ll just have to wait and see. Hopefully Graisorn Mahamad, manager of the Phuket office of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA), has done his sums right, and that despite our main reservoirs hovering at threateningly low levels, the water the PWA is sourcing from private sources is enough without island residents being left at the mercy of entrepreneurial water truck drivers and the private companies that supply them.

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German Pattaya bar owner arrested for disposing of body of woman, 77, in canal Mandatory health insurance for retirees falls flat as visa loophole exposed Cabinet extends Visa on Arrival fee waiver for six months Cambodian woman arrested for trafficking, beating boys in Patong Ban on glyphosate, other pesticides to start Dec 1 Korean stabbed 17 times in Pattaya Deputy PM makes push for ‘Phuket Airport No 2’, in Phang Nga Phuket honours Chlualongkorn Day Fresh UK arrests over 39 dead found in truck Mass of dead fish from wasteful practices of fishermen, not natural disaster

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HAVE YOUR SAY Fish out of water

Re: Mass of dead fish at Naka Island from wasteful practices of fishermen, not natural disaster Actually, the fishermen are a natural disaster. How could anyone, let alone a group, think that this was okay? Incredible disregard for the very environment that sustains them. Even more baffling is that there are no officials capable of reining these morons in. They don’t deserve this place.

BenPendejo The fishermen and farmers are the lifeblood of the Kingdom of Thailand. These fishermen have done absolutely nothing wrong. Mr Somyot has done absolutely nothing wrong.

If no provisions are written in the fisheries regulations for the correct disposal of bycatch, then so be it. The fishermen have been here since day one unlike all the blow-in do-gooder greenies and politicians…

Capt B Just because there is no provision, doesn’t make it right Capt B. There is a moral obligation for anyone using the environment for financial gain to protect it for the future of

others worldwide. Just because they’ve been doing it for years is pointless.

Pauly44

it (treated waste, no plastic, no raw sewage being pumped anywhere).

Stewart Baché

Empathy failure

Let’s hope no performing animals at this one! Let’s hope if they are going to charge European prices for entry and food etc that they pay their staff European wages too!

Dean Wells

Re: Fresh UK arrests over 39 dead found in truck, some victims may be Vietnamese The comments on here are awful. I find it hard to understand how people who move away from their country have such hatred towards others who want the same. Yes, they did it illegally but no one deserves to lose their life over it. Maybe if your circumstances were different you might be the one in that position.

Kitty Khan

The fun of the fair

Re: Phuket FantaSea to open B5bn ‘Carnival Magic’ theme park This sounds amazing. I love the idea. If there is going be more development, world class and highlighting Thai culture are two traits I’d want to see.

Tristan Callahan I love this idea too, I just hope they put in correct infrastructure to accommodate

Pole meats pickup

Re: Meat-hauling pickup slams into power pole Well at least it’s not bad breaks, wet roads or the power pole jumping out on him. At least he admitted [falling asleep].

Simon Lomas Disgusting to see how “fresh” meat gets transported.

Are there no Thai sanitation laws requiring how fresh meat has to be transported? In closed van/truck compartments with temperature requirements?

Kurt

Take off

Re: Deputy PM makes push for ‘Phuket Airport No 2’, in Phang Nga AoT handling it is better than the original Bangkok Air-

ways bid. Traffic will grow, especially when the canal project to the north is announced. They need to develop the provincial infrastructure to handle those volumes of people. Currently, Phuket is a disaster. Phang Nga cannot support more volume without new roadways. Good if they plan it right!

Sean M Ulvihill Before anyone gets excited, Suvarnabhumi Airport took 50 years from planning to completion!

Geoffrey Morris

Horror in Hanoi

Re: Soi Dog Foundation continues fight to end dog meat trade in Hanoi Expats in Thailand keep banging on about what a wonderful alternative Vietnam is, but I have not and will not ever go there until this barbarism is addressed and the Viets grow some empathy. And yes, I’m aware the peasantry in Isaan eat dogs too and I’ll never go there either.

Tamsyn Stead Please help them. Share [the petition]. They are waiting. pot

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

THAILAND NEWS

Infamous Tiger Temple to adopt cats and dogs

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KANCHANABURI Piyarat Chongcharoen / Bangkok Post

L

ocal authorities have started building facilities at the infamous Tiger Temple in Sai Yok district to care for about 1,200 stray dogs and cats from a foundation run by former Bangkok Governor Chamlong Srimuang.

Kanchanaburi Governor Jeerakiat Phumsawat and Maj Gen Chamlong, the adviser to the Animal Welfare Foundation, were among those participating in a ceremony to mark the start of construction last Saturday (Oct 26).

The temple, formally known as Wat Pa Luang Ta Mahabua, was once wellknown for attracting tourists who came to interact with more than 100 captive tigers. However, an investigation in 2016 turned up suspected links to illegal wildlife trafficking. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation subsequently seized all the tigers there.

The new project is intended to take over the care of stray dogs and cats from the foundation as Maj Gen Chamlong and his wife Col Sirilak Khiaola-or, who chairs the foundation, are elderly.

A 25-rai plot in the temple compound has been set aside for the facilities, construction and operation of which will be sponsored by local administration

Pattaya dancers say their employer owes wages totalling about B400,000. Photo: Bangkok Post

Pattaya police involved after bar dancers unpaid PATTAYA Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang (third from left) and others attend a ceremony marking the start of construction of new shelter for stray animals at Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi. Photo: Bangkok Post organisations in Kanchanaburi.

Worasuda Sukharom, secretary to the House committee on tourism, said 15 shelters would be built for 1,000 dogs and 200 cats from the foundation’s facilities in Muang district of Kanchanaburi. The shelters will cost about B4 million and could be built in six months.

Animal show facilities and a dog and cat hospital would be built later to attract tourists and offer better care for the animals, she added.

The Animal Welfare Foundation in Kanchanaburi started taking in abandoned animals, especially dogs, from a shelter in the Thung Si Kan area of

Don Muang district in Bangkok over two decades ago. Maj Gen Chamlong had originally developed the Thung Si Kan shelter to prevent stray dogs from being killed for rabies control when he was the governor of Bangkok.

As for the tigers that once lived at the temple, 86 of the 147 animals seized have died since being moved to wildlife sanctuaries three years ago. National parks officials said recently that most of the deaths were from viral and respiratory conditions that their weakened immune systems could not combat. The weakness in turn was the result of inbreeding at the temple, they said.

Disease forces closure of Khon Kaen cattle markets KHON KAEN AN ORDER HAS BEEN issued to close cattle markets in all 26 districts of Khon Kaen province from Nov 1-30 following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), said Governor Somsak Jangtrakul last Sunday (Oct 27).

Mr Somsak said the provincial livestock office had earlier issued an announcement to declare Muang, Kranuan and Nam Phong districts, where dairy cows are raised, an animal disease epidemic zone from Oct 25 to Nov 25.

Since cattle markets are believed to be a source of the FMD outbreak, he has issued an order to close all cattle markets in all 26 districts of the province from Nov 1-30 or until the situation has returned to normal, Mr Somsak said.

The governor said the disease usually spreads during the transition from the rainy season to winter. Ani@thephuketnews

Cattle markets are temporarily suspended in Khon Kaen after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

Photo: Bangkok Post mals that show symptoms of the disease are required to be quarantined, and those not yet affected by the disease must be vaccinated, he added.

Vehicles carrying cattle to the markets must also be sprayed with disinfectants.

The governor said the symptoms of cattle affected

by FMD include fever, blis-

ters in the mouth and on the hoofs, a drop in milk production, weight loss, loss of appetite, and quivering lips and frothing of the mouth. Those who see these symptoms on animals should immediately inform local livestock officials, he added.

Chakrapan Nathanri Bangkok Post

GO-GO DANCERS AT A Walking Street bar complained to police on Tuesday (Oct 29) that their foreign employer owed them B400,000 in unpaid wages since they started work in mid-October.

About 30 dancers filed their complaint at Pattaya Police Station at about 3am. They said their employer at Hidden A Go Go bar had failed to pay their wages as had been promised.

Their representative, a 29-year-old woman who identified herself only as Gift, said they started working at the go-go bar on Oct 14, and their employer promised to pay them every 10 days.

The first payment due had been postponed to Monday (Oct 28), and when that deadline was missed they could no longer contact their employer.

The overdue wages totalled about B400,000, she said.

Each dancer was contracted to receive a daily wage of B1,200.

“Everyone has worked hard.

We must dance on high heels for 7-8 hours a day. We all need to send money to parents and children, pay room rents and cover our personal expenses,” Ms Gift said.

Police accepted their complaint and advised the women to also file it with provincial labour officials.

Chaiyot Pupattanapong Bangkok Post

THAILAND NEWS

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Social media in the crosshairs

Thailand poised to open monitoring hub to combat ‘fake news’ THAILAND Bangkok Post

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hailand is set to open its first centre to combat fake news, a minister said Tuesday (Oct 29), making it the latest Asian country to push for greater cyber scrutiny in what activists fear is a smokescreen for targeting critics.

The Anti-Fake News Center starts work today (Nov 1) using AI and trained monitors to flag posts on everything from healthcare to government policies, Digital Economy and Society Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta told AFP. “Every country faces the issue of fake news… especially Thai people,” Buddhipongse said, after explaining the initiative to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Prayut took power in a 2014 coup, muzzling dissent for several years with special law but became civilian premier after elections in March.

Rights groups say his administration is still stifling dissent while keeping a close eye on public discussion of

Authorities will begin monitoring social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Line for ‘fake news’. Photo: Bangkok Post

Digital Economy and Society Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta. Photo: Bangkok Post Thailand’s monarchy.

Almost 80% of online or social media posts are false or misleading, Buddhipongse said.

The new centre has a Facebook page, Line messaging group and website, where examples of its findings will be published and where users can submit tip-offs.

The former junta banned

gatherings of more than five people and arrested hundreds for violating new restrictions.

While the ban was lifted advocates say freedom of expression has barely improved.

The head of Thailand’s army has railed against fake news and online propaganda, calling it a form of hybrid warfare.

Buddhipongse rebuffed allegations by civil society that the centre would be one-stopshop for monitoring dissent.

“We don’t focus only on politics and other people that oppose the government.”

But Sunai Phasuk, senior researcher with Human Rights Watch, said it was just another tool for censorship.

“A chokehold on free expression in Thailand is tightening even further,” he said.

Free speech campaigners have grown alarmed over the spread of government-led efforts to combat fake news.

A law against fake news came into force in Singapore this month, providing for hefty fines and even jail terms in

extreme cases.

In Vietnam there has been an uptick in arrests for online posts since a controversial cybersecurity bill was passed in January, according to Amnesty International.

In a rare bright spot for advocates this month Malaysian lawmakers voted to repeal fake news legislation.

Salt policy to target the canned, the frozen and the instant THAILAND I N S TA N T N O O D L E S , snacks and seasoning powder have been targeted for taxation on salty foods, with the Excise Department likely to apply World Health Organization (WHO) guidance on dietary sodium intake capped at 2,000 milligrammes per day as a benchmark to determine the levy rates.

As part of efforts to promote the consumption of

healthy food and to cut the amount of sodium in diets, the Excise Department announced earlier this month that it is inching towards the introduction of new taxes on salty, processed food.

While details are now being sorted out through discussions with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other relevant parties, it is expected that the tax conditions can be finalised by the end of this year before being submitted

to the finance minister for consideration.

According to the Excise Department, the new tax on salty foods will work in a straightforward manner – the higher the sodium content, the higher the tax, similar to the tax on sugary drinks, which came into effect on October 1.

The new salt tax policy will target instant noodles, frozen products and canned foods while seasonings and condiments such as fish sauce, soy sauce and salt will be

exempt. Manufacturers are expected to get a reprieve of one to two years to give them time to adjust and reduce the amount of sodium in their products.

The tax rates must be high enough to prompt consumers to change consumption behaviour, said Nutthakorn Utensute, director of the Bureau of Tax Planning. Thailand has also constantly campaigned against the overconsumption of salt and sodium with little evidence of progress, said Nutthakorn Based on the WHO’s daily recommendation, daily sodium intake is capped at 2,000mg. The average Thai, however, consumes up to 4,200 to 4,300mg of sodium on a daily basis – around 2.2 times the WHO’s threshold.

An estimated 8 million people in Thailand suffer from chronic kidney disease, according to 2017 statistics from the Ministry of Public Health. Of this number, around 100,000 patients are in the terminal stage and require haemodialysis on a regular basis, which works as an artificial kidney. This requires a national budget

Instant foods and snacks with over 2,000mg of sodium will be subject to the salt tax. Photo: Bangkok Post of over B20 billion per year.

If nothing is done, the number of end-stage kidney patients in Thailand will hit 200,000 by 2022, which would cost B40 billion annually, according to statistics.

The new tax is targeting instant noodles, which are high in sodium. Assoc Prof Wantanee Kriengsinyos of Mahidol University’s Institute of Nutrition warned that most street food can be as sodiumrich as instant noodles.

“A bowl of duck noodles can contain up to 2,000 to 2,300mg of sodium, for in-

stance,” she added. “These street foods might not be subject to compliance to any clear-cut measures. Monitoring and creating awareness among these vendors might not be a piece of cake either.

Several studies have found a lot of [street food] vendors add a large amount of seasoning powder.

“If every party involved plays their part in helping and raising awareness, change is definitely possible,” Wantanee concluded.

Chaiyot Pupattanapong Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS

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‘Carnival Magic’ set to open New B5bn FantaSea attraction set for B1.5bn annual revenues TOURISM The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket FantaSea has an nounced that its Thai carnival theme park “Carnival Magic” is on target to open early next year. Built with a budget of over B5 billion and spanning over 100 rai, Carnival Magic is expected to attract over 1 million tourists per year with annual revenue of no less than B1.5 billion.

Carnival Magic Co Ltd is an affiliate of Phuket FantaSea Co Ltd and is located next to the main Phuket FantaSea cultural theme park in Kamala.

Kittikorn Kewkacha, the CEO of Phuket FantaSea Public Company Limited and Carnival Magic Co Ltd, explained, “This year is the 20 th anniversary of Phuket FantaSea. We are celebrating it with the opening of an astonishing and uniquely new project – Carnival Magic, one of the largest nighttime theme parks ever constructed, and the first of its kind in the world.”

@thephuketnews

Built with a budget of over B5 billion and spanning over 100 rai, Carnival Magic is expected to attract over 1 million tourists per year with annual revenue of no less than B1.5 billion, said Phuket FantaSea and Carnival Magic CEO Kittikorn Kewkacha.

Inspired by the many traditional festivals, carnivals and market fairs that abound throughout the Kingdom, Carnival Magic aims to establish itself as the very first “Thai Carnival Theme Park”, showcasing Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.

“Our mission was to establish a landmark destination that would encourage more visitors to the island, and in so doing, help create jobs,

stimulate the local economy and ultimately boost the local tourism industry. We wanted to offer something positive, entertaining, uplifting and welcoming that would showcase the beautiful uniqueness of Thai culture with the enhancement of modern technology and special effects.” Mr Kittikorn said.

Carnival Magic will consist of four main zones – Zone 1: Carnival Fun Fair; Zone 2:

Bird of Paradise Restaurant; Zone 3: River Palace Theater; Zone 4: Kingdom of Lights.

In presenting his strategy for introducing Carnival Magic as an iconic international tourist destination, Mr Kittikorn explained, “We emphasised the importance of a 360-degree proactive marketing plan, using both online and offline platforms. We promote this project not only domestically, but also overseas, in more than

40 countries where people have traditionally enjoyed travelling to Thailand. We also provide road shows to popular tourist destinations in Phuket and in other provinces all over Thailand. This project is also being promoted to thousands of domestic and international travel agencies, which have been a steady source of alliance for a long time.

“We have started to promote our brand using online media and TV exposure from now until next year. The targeted group for ‘Carnival Magic’ is divided into both the international market as well as the domestic Thai market place, with the proportion of 70:30 respectively. We expect to attract more than 1 million tourists per year, with projected earnings of not less than B1.5 billion per year.

“Carnival Magic is our dream project and a gift to the people of Phuket and all of Thailand. And we sincerely hope that it will become a new, wonder-filled destination that all visitors will enjoy and all Thais can be proud of,” he said.

Mr Kittikorn also ex-

pressed his hopes for the future development of the tourism industry overall which maintains a huge potential in Phuket province, a destination notable for its natural beauty, established tourist accommodations and its ability to facilitate tourists within its existing infrastructure.

He noted that there are approximately 12 million tourists visiting Phuket per year, generating an average revenue of B400 billion yearly.

Of those tourists, 70% are foreigners, so the participation from every relevant sector, both governmental and private, is crucial to achieving lasting prosperity.

“We are deeply committed to creating a new tourist attraction that showcases our unique and richly colourful Thai culture and to deliver a truly original tourist experience, quite different from other tourist destinations.

And we believe that this will ultimately increase revenue, stimulate local economic growth and improve investing sentiment in the province,” Mr Kittikorn said.

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

DPM pushes second airport Plans for Khlok Kloy airport expanded, to include two runways TRANSPORT The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

D

eputy Prime Minster Jurin Laksanavisit inspected the site of the new airport planned to be built in Phang Nga last Friday (Oct 25) in order to alleviate the growing passenger load on Phuket International Airport.

Although being developed under the name “Phuket Airport No 2”, the site is actually in Khlok Kloy, in the Takua Thung District of Phang Nga Province, north of Phuket.

During a presentation at the site in Phang Nga, it was explained that the new airport will cover 7,300 rai in total – twice the original area of 4,300 rai reported last year – and now with the current plans accommodating two runways.

Phuket International Airport has only one runway and the surrounding terrain makes a second runway nigh impossible.

Following the site inspection in Phang Nga, Deputy PM Jurin and his entourage held a press conference at Phuket International Airport to explain the project to the public.

Joining Deputy PM Jurin, who also serves as the Commerce Minis-

The expanded plans for the new airport to be built in Phang Nga were explained to Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanavisit during a site inspection last Friday (Oct 25). Photo: PR Dept / Phang Nga ter, were Deputy Transport Minister Thaworn Senneam, Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana and Phuket International Airport General Manager Thanee Chuangchoo, along with Phang Nga Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada, who has also previously served for years as a Phuket Vice Governor and in 2016 served as Phuket Governor.

The current aim of the project is for the second airport in Phang Nga to initially accommodate 5.5 million passengers per year, explained Mr Jurin.

According to a report by the

Phuket office of Public Relations Department, Mr Jurin said that the project was part of an initiative under the Prime Minister’s Office to develop the six Andaman provinces of Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun.

“Currently, Phuket Airport has the potential to handle 12.5 million passengers per year, but the situation now has a total of 18 million tourists and passengers (passing through the airport), beyond the capacity to handle about 5.5 million people, which is one of the main reasons there must be another airport wait-

ing for tourists and passengers that overflow the Phuket airport,” Mr Jurin said, according to the Phuket PR Dept report.

However, while Airports of Thailand (AoT) maintains that Phuket airport saw more than 18 million passengers pass through the facility last year, Ministry of Tourism & Sports (MoTS) monthly statistics for passenger throughput at Phuket airport shows a combined total of 11,223,551 Thai and foreign travellers passing through the airport in 2018.

So far from January through September this year a combined total of only 8,466,191 Thai and foreign travellers have passed through Phuket Airport, reports the MoTS. Regardless, the Phuket PR office report noted Mr Jurin as saying, “Every party involved has concluded that it is necessary to build another airport in Phang Nga province, which, as far as preliminary studies have been made, will have the potential to accommodate approximately 25 million passengers – including tourists – per year once completed.

“The Deputy Minister of Transport has been tasked with coordinating the Ministry of Transport with relevant agencies to find solutions that will assist progress in determining whether the airport in Phang Nga

province will be under the operation of the Department of Airports under the Ministry of Transport or under AoT,” he added.

AoT is the public company that already operates six international airports in the country, including Phuket International Airport.

“We also ask that Phang Nga Province (the provincial administration under Phang Nga Governor Chamroen) closely monitor this matter and report to the inspector at the Prime Minister’s Office responsible so he can follow up on the progress made later,” Mr Jurin said.

According to a release by the PR Dept office in Phang Nga, the project, which was officially launched last year, is currently scheduled for completion by 2030.

“However, all parties agree for the need to support the capability of Phuket Airport in handling passengers at the moment,” Mr Jurin stressed.

According to a release by the PR Dept office in Phang Nga, the project, which was officially launched last year, is currently scheduled for completion by 2030.

In March last year, AoT President Nitinai Sirismatthakarn announced that the AoT board had approved the plans “in principle” for B60 billion to be allocated to building the airport.

Vietnam Airlines direct flights from Ho Chi Minh land in Phuket AIRLINES V I ET NA M A I R LI N ES’ inaugural direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City touched down in Phuket last Sunday (Oct 27) with all 70 passengers and crew receiving a warm welcome by airport management and Phuket’s tourism office chief.

Leading the welcome was Phuket International Airport Deputy Director Wichit Kaewsaithiam, joined by Vietnam Airlines Operations Manager Phan Truong Son, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office Director Kanokkittika Kritwutikon and a host airport staffers.

The welcome delegation handed out souvenirs to the arrivals as they disembarked Flight VN625 at Gate 15 of the International Terminal.

The new service operates three days a week – Sunday, Tuesday and Friday – with Flight VN625 departing Ho Chi Minh City at 3:50pm and arriving in Phuket at 5:40pm, and return service Flight VN624 departing Phuket at 6:40pm and arriving in Ho Chi Minh

Vietnam Airlines’ inaugural flight from Ho Chi Minh City touched down in Phuket last Sunday (Oct 27). Photo: AoT at 8:35pm on the same days.

The flight takes 1 hour 50 minutes and is served by an Airbus A321 aircraft.

The number of flights on the route is expected to increase to seven per week from late March 2020, considering the big potential of this service, notes Vietnam news website VietnamPlus.

According to Ministry of Tourism & Sports International Tourist Arrival statistics for 2018, there were 1,053,723 tourist arrivals from Vietnam, staying on average 6.54 days per stay, and spending an estimated B5,087.74 per day,

altogether generating B35.061 billion in tourism revenue throughout the year.

Vietnam Airlines last Sunday also resumed its daily flights connecting the central coastal city of Da Nang and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, with flights departing Da Nang at 3:20pm each and from Bangkok at 6pm each day.

Broadening its regional services, national carrier Vietnam Airlines last Sunday also launched daily direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Bali.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

New chef helms Rock Salt at The Nai Harn

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The dos and don’ts of dog recall training

14

IN AT THE DEEP END

Reflections on the World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2019 Making a splash at swimming lessons. Photo: Phuket Lifeguard Service Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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huket may want to be known for its whitesand beaches, its plentiful dive and snorkel sites and its proximity to a host of beautiful islets, but there’s something else that’s creeping into the picture, something that sits uncomfortably next to this trio of tourist draws: drownings.

Thailand is “number one” for child drowning deaths among Asean countries, and the World Health Organisation notes that the rate of drownings in Thailand is twice as high as the world’s average.

Little wonder, then, that the country was given clear prominence at the recent World Conference on Drowning Prevention (WCDP) 2019 in Durban, South Africa.

The conference, held last month, brought together the world’s foremost experts, researchers and policymakers in drowning prevention, rescue, lifesaving and water safety from 50 nations with a view to exchanging, debating and reviewing the latest progress on preventing drowning. The Phuket News was proud to be in attendance alongside Vitanya Chuayuan, secretary of Surf Life Saving Thailand.

“At the WCDP, it was great to be with people that have the same passion. The conference demonstrated the different approaches and tools used in drowning prevention in different countries,” Vitanya said. “Like the California State Park Lifeguard Training section who use analysis to predict drowning dangers, and the Los Angeles Fire Department who highlighted the standards of physical fitness.”

“All the workshops and speeches empowered and sparked a fire within me. I aim to use this knowledge and these skills to promote water safety for kids in the community,” she added.

Vitanya continues the legacy of her husband Prathaiyuth Chuayaun who helped to develop Phuket’s first beach lifeguards some 20 years ago and drove them to achieve international certification and even compete in international lifesaving events. His focus was also firmly on water safety for children, @thephuketnews

namely making swimming and surf survival skills a standard element of their education.

With more than 22,700 drownings involving children under 15 in Thailand between 2000 and 2018 – an average of 1,262 children per year or a shocking five kids per day – this should certainly be a priority.

Surf Life Saving Thailand has delivered water safety training to 6,000 children across Phuket since 2012, which includes lessons in swimming, identifying risks, CPR and lifesaving skills. The training is not just tailored to a beach setting but also swimming pools, lakes and water parks, and aims to teach children not only how to keep themselves safe but how to identify when another swimmer is in danger and how to help them.

This style of community-driven training was firmly highlighted at the conference by International Life Saving Federation President Graham Ford AM. “As well as ensuring lifeguards have the competency and skill required to undertake rescues, we need to educate local communities on the ground. Youth learn-to-swim programmes, CPR programmes,” Graham said. “CPR is a simple skill that we can all learn, and it’s not just for the water.”

Justin Scarr, the Chair of the International Life Saving Federation Drowning Prevention Commission, added, “Building up a drowning prevention group by local people and making public information available in several local areas are crucial.”

“I expect that people learn, focus on and build up drowning prevention groups in their communities.

“Also people are being trained in drowning prevention by Phuket Life Saving, which is the only such [lifesaving] organisation in Thailand, and which has the experience and skills from the International Life Saving Federation.”

As Graham and Justin’s comments indicate, Surf Life Saving Thailand are on the right track, and Vitanya is determined to keep building on the organisation’s work. In 2020, they aim to partner with other organisations in Phuket to train a further 1,000 children at nipper level, 30 at junior level and 100 at senior level. Nipper level, for ages 8-15, builds chil-

Learning CPR on child-sized mannequins.

Photo: Phuket Lifeguard Service

drens’ confidence in floating in the water and using a paddle board; junior level, for ages 16-17, teaches lifesaving skills, CPR, the ability to swim 200 metres in eight minutes and the ability to swim underwater for two to three metres; and senior level (up to 18) builds on junior level with further distances and more developed lifesaving skills.

“We want to build the children up in community so that those who receive training will volunteer themselves to be mentors for other kids,” explained Vitanya.

With government bureaucracy a barrier to the consistent provision of lifeguards and water safety in mainstream education, the responsibility shifts to communities. And they should be applauded for their efforts – whether it’s the Surf Life Saving Thailand, the International Surf Lifesaving Association, the Rotary Club of Patong Beach or any of the other community groups or individuals working towards safety in Phuket waters and beyond.

The Phuket News’ Chief Reporter Tanyaluk Sakoot was one of only 10 journalists selected worldwide to attend the World Conference on Drowning Prevention (WCDP2019) through a Reporting Fellowship generously provided by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) to empower journalists.

12 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

All change, no change Cobia skewers.

Mussels mariniére.

Crab risotto.

Rock Salt at The Nai Harn in safe hands with new chef THE CULINARY DETECTIVE Chris Watson chriswatsonth@gmail.com

A

s I wave goodbye to middle age and edge ever closer to yet another milestone, I have come to accept that as we get older we inevitably become more resistant to change and have an increasing preference for stability and that warm comfort from the knowledge of continuing to enjoy the same routines we have individually established.

In my life, where food plays a significant part, this inevitably applies to where and critically what I enjoy eating. When often in today’s world I am asked by waiting staff whether I have any allergies, I jokingly reply, “Only to bad food!” I place great emphasis in my life on eating good food, but I’m not a food snob; this can be a simple fish and chips, perhaps a steak tartare or even a khao tom pla.

On my frequent trips to Phuket, one of my favourite dining destinations is Rock Salt at The Nai Harn. For me, it has pretty much everything (especially on a perfect summer’s day): a fabulous location, wonderfully engaging staff, a wide range of pink libations and, of paramount importance of course, great food.

The extensive menu covers Mediterranean dishes and fresh seafood simply prepared, all supplemented with a blackboard of changing specials. Rock Salt is led by Mark Jones, executive chef of The Nai Harn, who is responsible for all culinary offerings across the resort: Cosmo, Hansha and the flagship Prime. Mark flits from outlet to outlet lending a hand across breakfast, lunch and dinner. He also helms Prime in a hands-on cooking role; however, he has chefs de cuisine for all outlets. (A chef de cuisine is really just a fancy name for a restaurant chef.)

Following my announced dislike for change, it is with acute trepidation that I make my way to Rock Salt for lunch, having received a call from the suave

Tuna tartare.

General Manager Frank Grassmann who nonchalantly informed me that the chef had recently changed at Rock Salt, and both Mark and he would like me to meet and greet Carsten Ritter, the new arrival, and sample a few new dishes.

Don’t you find that when you are a regular customer of a particular establishment, you tend to hold the view that changes should be extremely limited and only then if you have given them your prior seal of approval? Frank and Mark, understandably, did not run this decision past me; however, here I am arriving for lunch. At least it’s a beautiful day! I am somewhat reassured when, upon arrival, friendly familiar staff greet me and I spy the specials board where my favourites, including mussels mariniére with aioli and French fries, are still visible. Perhaps I am overreacting.

Mark greets me and we dine together. He has arranged a repertoire for us today of both new and old dishes to taste. I am encouraged as the Rock Salt signature of breads and dips arrives: fluffy focaccia, breadsticks, babaganoush, fava bean dip and delicious aged Modena balsamic and oil.

Whilst awaiting the arrival of the new recipes, I am introduced to Carsten who thoughtfully brings over a plate of panko-crusted calamari, stir-fried with oyster sauce, chilli, garlic and a lemon dressed salad – a wonderful staple on

Chef Carsten and Chef Mark. the menu which I am informed will not be changing!

Carsten is German, depressingly young and handsome and arrives at The Nai Harn with an exceptional resumé featuring renowned hotels and restaurants across the globe.

Following our exquisite squid, he presents us with a new dish of carpaccio of 150-day aged grain fed tenderloin, dressed with piment d’espelette mayonnaise and ingeniously topped with crisp, dried anchovies, accompanied by a salad of lamb’s leaves and rocket. The attention to detail in execution, which has always singled out Rock Salt, is clearly evident from this dish whilst conforming to the exceptionally high standards set by Mark. A stellar start.

We continue with a blue swimmer crab risotto in crab bisque with aged parmesan and basil oil. The magic ingredient a well-known elixir from France and indeed the highly specific timing of its addition to the mix. I am truly impressed! We follow this with marinated skewers of day boat-caught local cobia, a fish gaining popularity on the island, difficult to source and equally challenging to cook. The end result, when expertly prepared, is truly a master stroke: double marinated in green chilli, kashmiri chilli, turmeric and lemon, cooked in a wood-fired oven and served with an exotic green mango

and mint chutney and a garden salad to complement. Absolutely mouthwatering.

We have just enough room for an earlier-spotted blackboard special of tuna tartare, a refreshingly decadent personal favourite of mine. Carsten informs me that the changes to the menu will not affect these signatures. I heave a massive sigh of relief whilst Mark and Carsten both inoffensively laugh in the background. In my time, I have been referred to as slightly stubborn, and Mark knows me well!

I bid my farewells and depart, totally satisfied that this change will not affect my penchant for eating at Rock Salt. Showing off my expensive education, as Edwards Deming, the guru of total quality management, would say, “Change comes in many forms, but the most sought after can be referred to as continuous improvement.” I am delighted to acknowledge that Carsten’s arrival may indeed be viewed as this, another step in Rock Salt’s continued improvement. I am confident that together, Mark and Carsten will elevate Rock Salt to even more lofty levels!

Chris is a former Michelin Guide Inspector who, following an international career in hospitality spanning 30 years in both the Middle East and Asia, has now settled in Thailand and contributes a monthly restaurant column. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 13

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Rocking hard, running harder Toon Bodyslam’s hospital charity run raises B40 million and counting The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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he charity run led by Thai rock celebrity and now running sensation Artiwara “Toon Bodyslam” Kongmalai held last weekend has so far raised more than B40 million for seven public hospitals in Thailand, including Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town.

As of October 29, the Kaokonlakao Foundation reported that the fundraising had reached B40,326,051. The foundation posted a thank you to all people who took part – altogether some 13,000 people.

Toon and supporters of the charity drive began the 300-kilometre-plus run at Trang Hospital last Thursday (October 24) and made their way through Krabi and Phang Nga provinces before crossing the Srisoonthorn Bridge onto Phuket last Saturday afternoon (October 26).

The run in Phuket was conducted in five stages, with different Thai celebrities joining Toon, who is now 40 years old, during the different stages in support of the charity run. The route took runners south along Thepkrasattri Road and through Phuket Town to Saphan Hin, where they turned west and concluded the day’s run at the King

BISP’s top set mathematicians.

Toon (in white), Governor Phakaphong (on Toon’s left) and supporters point to the heavens before starting the ‘mini marathon’ from Laguna Grove. Photo: PR Dept Power duty-free store on Chao Fa West Road in Wichit.

The run continued on the Sunday (October 27) from the King Power store at 6am north to Laguna Grove at Laguna Phuket in Cherng Talay.

Later in the day, Toon also joined a 10.6km “mini marathon” from Laguna Grove to Xana Beach Club. At the Laguna Grove run, Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana told the crowd gathered there, “Phuket people are happy and proud to have the opportunity to participate in charity running activities. Kaokonlakao is moving forward

These MFL students took their exams early.

BISP students among ‘Top in Thailand’

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ix students from British International School, Phuket (BISP) have made their school proud as they have managed to achieve the highest country honour in their recent Cambridge examinations.

Irawadee Thawornbut, Victor Porcher, Levi Hawk, Ilyan Shrestha, Bhuvan Kumar and Karin Mathilda Gustafsson from Year 11 made the list of Outstanding Achievers in Thailand 2019 for Cambridge IGCSE subjects.

“These are well-deserved achievements, to say the least. Students who graduate from our school regularly move on to well-known universities around the world and in the last four years attended 129 different institutions in 22 countries,” commented Secondary Principal Simon Meredith.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the teachers involved for their dedication and hard work and wish these students success moving forward.”

One of these students achieved Top in Thailand for two subjects, meaning BISP has won awards in one-fifth of the mainstream IGCSE subjects offered in Thailand for 2019. The official ceremony to honour the students will be held in Bangkok later this month.

Meanwhile, BISP’s top set math@thephuketnews

ematics students took their IGCSE Cambridge mathematics examinations one year early, and the class achieved some outstanding results.

Twelve students took the exams and received 8 A*s and 4 As. The overall class average was an incredible 93%, and the top two students, Wongsathorn Tonkultorn and Tatsan Kantasit, scored 99.5% and 98.5% respectively.

Head of Mathematics Richard Griffin said, “This is the first time our accelerated class has taken the examination in May, a whole year early, and produced our best ever results. Well done to the class; their hard work paid off!”

The class is now continuing to study even more demanding mathematics by following the Cambridge Additional Mathematics syllabus. This will enable them to study mathematics at the highest IB level in Year 12 and 13.

In addition to this, a number of students also received their IGCSE certificates in Chinese, French, Spanish and German with outstanding results of all As and A*s. These students took exams one year early and, in some cases, even two years early. Some of them will also take a further modern foreign language (MFL) IGCSE this year.

BISP

step by step, in the south, and even though it is small steps being taken, it leads to great power.”

Heavy rain lashed runners for over an hour during the run on the Sunday, while all motorists were urged to exercise high caution while passing the runners as they made their way down and back up the island.

The funds raised will go towards buying medical equipment at seven hospitals: Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital, Saiburi Crown Prince Hospital, Trang Hospital, Krabi Hospital, Phang Nga Hospital, Takua Pa Hospi-

A host of Thai celebrities braved the rain to join the run in Phuket. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub tal as well as Vachira Phuket Hospital, where only last month the hospital director was at pains to explain a “misunderstanding” to the public over the funds needed for the hospital to buy a high-powered neurosurgery microscope.

Toon said before starting his latest running journey that the best way to ease the workload of doctors and nurses was for people to exercise more, since that will keep them healthy and away from hospitals. He plans future events for the same purpose in the northern, eastern and central regions in a campaign that will end next year.

14 PETS

Total recall

Teaching your dog to come back when called UNLEASHED Russell D Russell info@k9pointacademy.com

Teaching effective, bulletproof recall is all about control. If your dog is off-leash, you have no control and are likely to be rewarding the wrong things.

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erhaps the most important skill we can teach our dogs is recall. It’s the one thing everyone wants. Sure, it’s great if our dogs will sit or stay, but coming back when called down at the beach takes priority.

Whilst all that makes complete sense, it is difficult (nigh on impossible) for our dogs to learn an effective recall when that’s all we focus on.

More often than not, with all our effort, we end up teaching the dog to run away rather than run back.

So what can we do? Well, it’s like anything – you start at the beginning.

Think of this like a computer game.

Level 1 is usually pretty easy, and once successfully completed, you move to Level 2 and so on. Of course, as you move up the levels, things get progressively harder. If you start a new game on Level 10 (or a new anything for that matter), you’re going to struggle.

Level 1 in teaching our dogs effective recall is all about engagement: getting them to look at us, check in and make

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Any time your dog checks in and engages with you, mark that moment and reward them for doing so. sure we’re still there. Rewarding this behaviour, be it with praise, a toy, hand touches or a treat, is going to make the behaviour happen again. The more you reward it, the more it happens.

So any time your dog checks in and engages with you, whether it’s around the house, outside in the garden and certainly when on walks, you need to mark that moment and reward them for doing so. In this way, we’re creating a huge reward history with our dogs that checking in with you is always a good thing.

Sounds easy right? About that. Some dogs are naturally more aloof than others, whilst other dogs have simply learned that disengaging with you is what it’s all about, but it’s not impossible to turn it around.

Teaching an effective, bulletproof recall is all about control. If your dog is off-leash, you have no control and are likely to be rewarding the wrong things. I often hear people saying “My dog never runs away” or “He always comes back”, but this may not equate to effective recall.

With these tips, your pup will be bounding back to you like this in no time.

If your dog is making the choice to move away from you and towards another person or dog and will not come back when immediately called, then you don’t have an effective recall. Sure, your dog might come running back to you after they’ve done what they wanted, but that’s the point – the dog is in charge and has made the decision for themselves.

This might seem harmless. He just went to say hi to the other dog. But what if the other dog doesn’t want to say hi to him? What if the other dog is on the other side of a road and there is oncoming traffic?

Having our dog on a leash allows us to give our dogs freedom of choice (to a degree) so they can learn to make the right decisions. You can use a really long line (not the retractable type*), so your dog has room to explore, but then call them back. If they listen, we reward them; if they don’t, we guide them back anyway. The end result is the same, but they only get rewarded when doing it on their own.

By practicing this over and over and rewarding our dogs for checking in of their own accord, you start to build a solid foundational relationship with your Fido.

Over time, this means we can let them off-leash but with the ability to reliably recall them when needed. *A quick word on retractable leashes. These are possibly the worst invention ever. Putting aside the inherent dangers they bring, especially if you have multiple dogs, the design of the equipment means there is almost always tension on the line. This ultimately means your dog knows where you are 100% of the time. They can feel the point of tension and know that’s you, so there is no reason to focus on you, ever.

Removing the leash tension puts the dog on their own, so they’re far more likely to check in with you.

The best thing you can do with your retractable leash is extend it all the way and then cut the box off. You now have a perfect long line to practice your recall with!

If you would like some more information on canine training, or behavioural issues, then please to contact us on 091 654 1960, email info@k9pointacademy.com, or check our website www.k9pointacademy.com. CPA is the only K9 organisation in Thailand accredited with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and as an American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT 15

Now showing in Phuket.

Tapping into nostalgia

Original cast double down on comedy and horror in Zombieland sequel David Griffiths

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lashback to 2009. A film called Zombieland is released, a film that I suspect not even the studio thought would even be a blip on the radar. In fact, it was lucky not to go straight to DVD. The film was originally supposed to be a television pilot but was rehashed into a feature film – never a good sign.

However, the film surprised everybody. Not only did it become a cult favourite but it launched the careers of two young actors: Emma Stone and Jesse Eisenberg. It also reminded the world that Woody Harrelson was still a force to be reckoned with and showed that Abigail Breslin was capable of doing more than “feel-good” movies.

Now exactly a decade after the release of Zombieland, the original team have got back together to celebrate the anniversary by releasing Zombieland: Double Tap, and once again it feels like the film will have to overcome some major hurdles in order to get cinemagoers to part with their hard-earned cash. Sequels to great comedy films are often let downs, and “anniversary” films or reboots tend to do little more than sour the memories of the originals. But everyone take a sigh of relief because Zombieland: Double Tap actually recaptures the magical formula of the original and is a more than worthy follow-up.

Just like in real life, the film’s plot picks up exactly a decade after the original. Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) and Wichita (Emma Stone) are still alive and well in Zombieland. They are now welladapted to a world where the living dead reign supreme, and they’ve even identified the different kinds of zombies that they are faced with every day.

Columbus and Wichita are now a couple, while Little Rock looks up to Tallahassee who is sometimes an overbearing father figure. And it is there where things go horribly wrong. Little Rock is tired of being treated like a little girl and decides to flee with a pacifist named Berkeley (Avan Jogia).

At the same time, Columbus freaks out Wichita by proposing to her, causing her to go on the run as well. However, @thephuketnews

with a new breed of super-zombie (nicknamed T-800s), Zombieland is even more unsafe than usual, so Tallahassee and Columbus decide that it is time to try and bring the family back together again.

So how does Zombieland: Double Tap work when so many other anniversary reboots have failed miserably?

The answer is pretty simple. Director Ruben Fleischer and the film’s key writers don’t deviate too much from what worked with the first film, but they don’t rest on old jokes from the past either. There are gentle nods to the first film there for the fans, but as a whole they have created a new storyline and simply placed their characters in it.

And the result is just pure magic.

The film doesn’t fall into the trap of flooding audiences with too many brand-new characters either. Those that are introduced, such as the brilliantly funny Madison (Zoey Deutch), serve their purpose but never overshadow the original four characters that fans know and love.

The last key ingredient in making this film work is the fact that the writers know the limits of the plot and don’t try to exceed the parameters of horror and comedy. This keeps the audience wrapped up in the realism of the situation (well, as much realism as there can be in a film about the living dead).

The perfect example here is the monster truck scene. Yes, it might seem extreme, but none of the stunts performed are anything that you wouldn’t see at a regular Monster Jam event.

Perhaps the best aspect of this sequel, though, is the amount of times the film tricks its audience into a false sense of security, into thinking they know what is going to happen next.

The talented screenwriters deliver totally unpredictable outcomes. The result is something that has become really rare in cinema today – the heightened suspense that comes with believing that perhaps not all of your favourite characters are going to make it through this one alive…

With Zombieland: Double Tap, there’s little chance any true fan of the first film is going to be disappointed.

The characters are still their normal selves, and the storyline they find themselves in fits perfectly with everything we have seen in the past. The

jokes work, and there’s horror and suspense throughout. My only word of advice would be to make sure you watch the first film before you go to try and enjoy Double Tap, because you’ll be completely lost if you don’t.

The Zombieland magic is back, so fans should embrace it happily.

David Griffiths has been working as a film and music reviewer for over 20 years. That time has seen him work in radio, television and in print. You can

The cast in 2009. follow him at www.facebook.com/subcultureentertainmentaus

16 PEOPLE

Piercing the past THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Through the eye of a needle with embroidery artist Stephanie Soper PEOPLE OF PHUKET Jill N. Wells

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tephanie Soper is like a migratory bird, flying to Phuket from December to March to get away from the awfully cold English winters and to absorb the balmy Southeast Asian sunshine. She has many hobbies, but ecclesiastical embroidery is her forte.

Stephanie still keeps her very first work, a needle case which she made when she started school aged four. The case is now quite worn and faded, but making it lit that very first spark that ignited her passion for embroidery.

Colours have always been very important to Stephanie. “It might be hereditary,” she says. Her grandfather, who could identify 64 shades of black, was director of the British Dyers Association and the world expert in dyeing black cloth for Muslim countries. When she was eight, he gave her a large box of embroidery silk, each hank as thick as an arm in every shade imaginable.

Out of these, her favourite colour was purple. There were ten shades of it, ranging from pale lavender to deep mauve.

“Imagine the usual skein of a small rack of silk you might see hanging on hooks in a haberdashery,” says Stephanie. “Now multiply

this by the size of an elephant and you’ll visualise it.”

The box was one of the most amazing presents Stephanie received in her life, and some 60 years later, she still has some pieces of silk left. Her father in fact hated the dyeing industry, so maybe the passion skipped a generation and affected her instead.

Later, Stephanie’s faith in God led her to ecclesiastical embroidery, and she’s been devoted to it ever since. Her masterpiece was a priest’s stole which she sewed for her local vicar – a complicated piece on cream silk topped with a St. Catherine’s wheel above flames and under a cross intertwined with scroll work. It had lots of gold couch work in the highlights. (This is where thin metallic threads are held onto the cloth with tiny side stitches in fine strands of silk or cotton. They can be built up into different widths.) The same stole is now used in her family for religious occasions.

Stephanie also made a reversible tri-stole for another vicar. On the green side was a sheaf of corn in gold leather surrounded by coppercoloured vine leaves and pea-sized grapes of a black sparkling thread called Twilleys Lyscordet. It represented the bread and the wine for communion. On the purple reverse side, she copied stained glass windows from the church. (The Church of England’s seasons are red, white, green or purple depending on the time of the year). When she was

The skilled Stephanie Soper.

Stephanie’s tapestry of the Château de Villandry in the Loire Valley, France. creating the green side of the stole, she remembered feeling great passion for this piece – a true labour of love. Upon finishing it, she was tired as her energy had drained out into the work.

As her talent grew, Stephanie started to restore antique embroidery too. She thinks it a privilege to restore old pieces that others have worked on such a long time ago, when lighting and technology were relatively primitive. She appreciates those antiques as if they had lives.

Every step of such restorations demands careful thought and imaging the craftsmen of the time, whether their level of craftsmanship was high or low, whether their attitude was cautious or perfunctory. To restore antique embroidery is to start a dialogue with the makers of past generations. Like folk songs, the antiques carry the joys and sorrows of the past. These artefacts contain a vast amount of historical information preserved from generation to generation.

Restoration should be both traditional and innovative, according to Stephanie. With a broad perspective, she communicates with foreign peers, historians and researchers. Even for a simple repair, the modern reference system is different from the past. Stephanie’s hands witness her daily conversations with these treasures of old.

Centuries later, when Stephanie is giving a second life to these antiques, she infuses them subtly with her own personal touches. When she has finished restoring a piece, she leaves a little dedication sheet hidden in the lining as her reward for the work. If the piece is restored again, future generations will find the sheet and know more about what life was like in her time.

Stephanie’s hardest restoration job of all was a funeral pall at Holy Trinity Church in Nice made in about 1880. When the back side was removed, the interior was full of black soot – a rather dangerous thing to work on. It took a long time for her to finish as there were no shortcuts possible. But Stephanie believes that the best craftsmanship involves the gift of time.

The world of the restorer is quiet and honest. The right craftsmanship requires sincerity and faith, sinking into space and time.

Stephanie has been an adviser to York Minister, a treasured cathedral in the UK which has a collection of old Chinese robes in its vaults. She headed up a fashion show of embroidered Chinese imperial robes from the late Ching dynasty (1800-1920) at Carlton Towers, home of the Duke of Norfolk, and at the Antiques Seminar of Great Britain in Harrogate.

For amateur embroidery lovers, Stephanie suggests choosing something comfortable, useful and simple.

More difficult accomplishments can follow later. Pick the style, colours and function. Her admonition is to “pass on your talent to your children and inspire them to follow your tradition. It’s a perfect antidote to smartphones and the internet.”

For more information, email Stephanie directly at sth1000@hotmail.com thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CULTURE 17

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Word play

Is the customer always a ‘customer’?

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Andrew Biggs

here is nothing wrong with the salesgirl. In fact she is cheery and accommodating.

Nevertheless, she is driving me crazy.

“Customer can take this coupon over to the counter and customer can redeem it for some Heinz tomato ketchup or Ponds lightening cream. Customer has enough points to redeem more than one item.”

She hands me the coupon and points politely towards what is clearly the redemption counter.

“Thank you, customer,” she says with a gorgeous Thai smile.

I, of course, make my way over to the counter for my free bottle of Heinz tomato ketchup. Maybe even two. I have no use for Ponds lightening cream.

Even the ensuing 10 minutes, when hapless supermarket staff try to grapple with a computer system designed for Thais with ID cards, and not farangs with passports, does not faze me. It’s that cheery and accommodating cashier who’s done me in for the day.

From time to time my articles receive feedback that some readers describe as “constructive criticism” – even when the feeling isn’t mutual – over some topics brought up for discussion.

They accuse me of being too picky, or finicky, or any other synonym you may find for “moaning grouch”.

I suspect the complaints are from short-term expats, the ones shunted off to Thailand to bide some time while a scandal in the head office blows over, or simply because it’s time for a promotion but the board has no idea what to do with them. They are not real expats, here for the long haul, making solid contributions to the Thai economy and society, who have read this column for years and realise that not all my topics are whining tomes against Thai society.

I love my life in this country and I love the Thai people around me – as long as they don’t call me “customer”.

The English and Thai languages differ in the way they use nouns, pronouns and honorifics. We have it so lucky in English. We have “I” and “you” and that gets us through conversations with the janitor right up to the Queen. They are great levellers, those two pronouns.

Not so in the Thai language. There are 16 different ways of saying “I” depending on who you’re talking to, how old you are, what sex you are, where you’re from and where you’re standing. There is a different “I” and “you” for the boss, the children, the wife, the mistress, the morning monks, the noodle vendor, mates at the pub, while giving a speech, writing a letter and visiting the palace. Thais are constantly flitting between those 16 words in daily conversation. No wonder they look exhausted at times.

“You” extends way past 16 words. I think I use at least three – than, khun, meung – on a daily basis. You also refer to people by work. A school director, for example, can be called “school director” to their face instead of “you”. It elevates @thephuketnews

their position, and in Thai, you are constantly finding ways to elevate your interlocutor or, in less desirable situations, belittle them.

I’ve always called the security guard at the front of my housing village “security guard”. He’s been sitting in that box for seven years. I bring him pork on a stick now and then and give him a bottle of something every New Year.

What’s his name? Who knows? I certainly don’t. I never smile and say “Hi, how are you?” when he paddles past on his rickety bicycle outside my home. I say “Hi, how is security guard?” I know, it sounds weird, but it’s like so many other things in life: once you try it a few times, you grow to like it.

The plumber, the electrician, the painter – they are all chang (“handyman”) instead of “you”. This is a normal part of Thai usage.

Yes, yes, I can hear your voices loud and clear. Especially from the back-row expats wallowing in corporate obscurity – if indeed it is normal, why get upset when that cashier keeps calling you “customer”? You’re in a shop, after all.

The Thai word is look kha – “the child of sales”. What’s so terrible about that? I’ve been here long enough to remember when cashiers called me khun, the nice, normal, mid-range word for “you”. But somewhere along the line, over the past 10 years, some sales and marketing executive justifying his outrageous salary has decided that it is better to call a customer a customer.

It’s not restricted to Thailand. The same thing happened at Qantas not quite a decade ago. On a return trip home, I boarded a domestic flight from Sydney to Melbourne. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I board a plane anywhere, I consider myself a “passenger” just like everybody else.

Qantas decided that wasn’t going to be the case any longer.

“We’d like to welcome all our customers on this Qantas flight from Sydney to Melbourne,” drifted the voice of an anonymous male cabin-crew member across the sound system.

Customers? My Cambridge dictionary says a passenger is “a person who is travelling on a vehicle but is not driving it, flying it or working on it”. That suits me perfectly. Does Qantas have a problem with that?

A customer, so says Cambridge, is “a person who buys goods or a service”.

That also suits me, but isn’t “passenger” a little more specific – and appropriate?

It’s a bit like spotting a spider and saying “Oh look! An insect!”

And let’s take this a step further – it also thwarts the meaning. An airline passenger boards aeroplane. An airline customer buys them.

Australia is a funny place like that.

We are much more well known for our kangaroos and Kylie Minogue than we are for our logic and sensibility. I notice Qantas dispensed with that little experiment the last time I flew with them – I was back to being a passenger.

I don’t like being called “customer”.

But in supermarkets and shopping malls across Thailand it has seeped into the

Photo: Romeo Gacad / AFP language (or, more accurately, company orientation and training seminars).

Gone are the good old days of khun. I’m now a cold, clinical look kha.

It reminds me that the cashier at the start of this story is only friendly to me because of a cash transaction. It’s not because of my good looks or talent.

She wouldn’t give me the time of day if I weren’t picking up a few groceries and bottles between the hours of 5pm and midnight and paying for them. That’s what being called “customer” reminds

me of, and that feels a little crass and anonymous to me. The word “you” doesn’t require a financial transaction.

There are times, after a particularly trying day, when I want to shout back at that friendly cashier: “Don’t call me ‘customer’! Call me ‘you’!”

But I always, always, hold my tongue.

There is nothing worse than a curmudgeonly old farang berating a Thai for something innocuous – and vindicating those infernal newbie expats.

Bangkok Post

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Imm, Roger and Chonlada.

Samit and Kevin.

DINNER TIME AND THE LIVING IS SPEAKEASY AT HYATT REGENCY PHUKET Hyatt Regency Phuket pulled out all the stops for its exclusive and glamorous speakeasy dinner on Oct 26. Guests mingled and sampled canapés to the tune of a violinist in the lush grounds of the hillside resort before heading inside for a five-course dinner, each plate perfectly paired with a fine French beverage. The bespoke event was a hit all round.

The Marriott teams with Live 89.5’s Chris Howson.

Amy, Mango and Chris of Class Act Media show off their gifts with Almario of Le Meridien Phuket.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL SAYS THANKS WITH SOUTHERN MEDIA BLITZ Teams from nine Marriott hotels and resorts in southern Thailand paid a visit to the Class Act Media and Image Asia office on Oct 29 to share their latest news and to show their appreciation for ongoing support with thoughtful gifts. Thanks to JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Phuket Marriott Nai Yang, Le Meridien Phuket, Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, The Westin Phuket Resort & Spa, The Naka Island Collection, Fourpoints by Sheraton, Phulay Bay and A Ritz Carlton Reserve, Krabi!

Patrik, Phonchan and Roger.

Chef Tam (right) with American Inspired Chef Project students.

AMERICAN INSPIRED CHEF PROJECT PUTS US-THAI FUSION FOOD ON SHOW The US Department of Agriculture in Bangkok hosted a special “American Inspired Chef” sit-down dinner at the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort on Oct 22. The event saw Top Chef Thailand 2017 Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam prepare a fusion dinner using US- and Phuket-grown ingredients, with help from American Inspired Chef Project students. Through the project and the Prince of Songkla University, young Thai chefs from a range of education institutions and a group of local villagers have received culinary training to help set them up for success in the industry. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

1 NOV

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

WED

6 NOV

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 295 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic and cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservations recommended. B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

MON ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

L’Aperitivo Italiano From 18.30 to 21.00 for Bath 490+. Free flow of Italian Sparking - red and white beverages with pass around Cicchettis (Italian Tapas). L’Opera, Laguna Road, pnesi@loperagroup.com, 076 271 430/095 468 2248.

Poolside Night Market At Angsana Laguna Phuket

Grow Boating Networking Evening - November 2019 The Grow Boating Networking Evening for November 2019 will be held at the d’deck Bar, at the Ao Po Grand Marina on Friday the 1st of November from 5pm. We are pleased to announce that Yacht Shop at Yacht Haven marina have agreed to be our drinks sponsor. See https://www.facebook. com/YachtShopPhuket/There will be a light buffet sponsored by the d’deck bar and special prices on your favourite beverages. Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. We hope to see you there and if you know anyone you think would be interested in coming please invite them along.

To join our mailing list please send an email to growboatingphuket@gmail.com Grow Boating is kindly supported by our media partner The Phuket News, Live 89.5 radio and Phuket News TV. See www.thephuketnews.com The Grow Boating Networking Evening is organised by the Thai Yachting Business Association. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/491098897758155/ or our Website https:// www.thaiyachtingbusinessassociation.com/

SAT

2 NOV

High Tea@ChaoFah serves with free Day Pass to fitness and pool High Tea @ChaoFah serves more than 10 options of selected teas, delightful cream sandwiches, home-made warm scones with all the trimmings and truly Peranakan specialties. in the surrounding décor of exquisite Sino-Portuguese architecture. Every Saturday and Sunday from 2-5pm and special on Sunday, nice music from Annie Guzheng. Free for children under 12yrs with complimentary day pass to fitness and swimming pool. RSVP +66 76 338 699. Ramada Plaza Chao Fah.

4 NOV

Ribs, beats, brews All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns and Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. B395 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

TUE

Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finished off with a bread and butter pudding. DJ Q will keep the soul flowing and your toes tapping as you wash down those tender ribs with a bucket of craft brews. Full Rack set 1,400 Baht, Half Rack set 1,100 Baht. Reservations, SALA Phuket, events@salaphuket.com, 076-338-888.

5 NOV

Experience a traditional Phuket Night Market every Saturday from 17:00 – 22:00 hrs. The Angsana night market is a bustling gathering of vibrant food and beverage stalls comprised of local vendors and hotel catered stalls, providing a unique blend of Thai street food, BBQ and classic dishes from the resort’s restaurants with live entertainment. Enjoy yourself in the natural setting of the resort gardens every Saturday night. Starting from THB 150 net per item. Reservation, Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com, +66 (0) 7635 8500.

Phuket Community Screening Shines the Light on Anxiety with Must-See indieFlix Documentary, “ANGST: RAISING AWARENESS AROUND ANXIETY” UWCT Campus 19:15 - 21:00. RSVP: www.uwcthailand.ac.th/angst UWC Thailand.

FRI

8 NOV

Saints & Sinners at 360º Bar Saturday night Sinner or Sunday morning Saint? Find out at 360º Bar this year with creepy mixology concoctions, and spooky sweet and savoury snacks, prizes for best dressed and entertainment by resident DJ Gary. From 6 pm, entrance is costume and receive a complimentary’s creepy concoction welcome drink! Reservations are advised. Reservation, 360º Bar at The Pavilions Phuket, restaurants.phuket@pavilionshotels.com, 076 317 600.

SUN

3 NOV

Indian Night at Speakeasy Yacht Club ANDAMAN CATCH TUESDAY Every Tuesday our culinary team prepare a special Andaman Catch menu featuring our fish of the day selection prepared in one of three ways, a special seafood appetiser and a sweet finish dessert. Pair your catch with one of our sommelier selections special offers, available Tuesday only. 950* Baht. 18.30 - 22.00 www.salaphuket.com Advance bookings are recommended - 076 33 8888. *Subject to 10% service charge and 7% value added tax. Sala Phuket.

Do you want to try authentic exclusively Indian food? The best Indian chef in Phuket is inviting you to enjoy it on 8th of November at The Speakeasy Yacht Club, Royal Phuket Marina! RSVP: 081 971 2082, Email: catherinem@royalphuketmarina.com

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong.

Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes.

Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic.

Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online

Melbourne Cup Brunch 2019 Ladies and Gentleman of Phuket, The Good Shepherd, Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation and Angsana Laguna Phuket are thrilled to be hosting the Melbourne Cup 2019 here on the island, Tuesday 5th November from 9 am to 2 pm. Dress code: At the Races Venue: Angsana Laguna Phuket FREE FLOW FOOD & BEVERAGES Donation: 3,000 Baht Reserve your ticket at tina@phukethasbeengoodtous.org

Phuket Business Networking - Nov 2019 Make sure to bring lots of business cards, as getting to know each other is what PBN is all about. A small entry fee, THB 500 per person, that includes the first 3 drinks and a light buffet. Location - Ramada Plaza Phuket Chao Fah. Register your attendance here - https://www.facebook.com/phuketbusinesnetworking or call Jason - 086 479 7471.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SAT

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019 beauty of Phuket beach, green hills and local villages. Leave positive impact by supporting the race’s charity partners “Children First Fund” and “Kao”. Register now at LagunaphuketTri.com

9 NOV

THU

30 JAN

Two Chefs Reggae Night

Save the date - 6th Annual Bollywood Phuket Theme Night Join us for a great cause and in celebrating our 6th annual BOLLYWOOD THEME NIGHT. 7pm -10pm +. Dress code: your favorite Bollywood celebrity. DJ Music Dancing. @ THB699 per person. As you arrive: Welcome drink. 7-8pm: Finger licking live station appetizers, 8-8:30pm: Intro and Entertainment, 8:30-10pm: Mind blowing Buffet, 10-11:30pm: Dance and fun until you’re done! Charity committed towards Phang-nga Special Education Centre.

THU

Have a night of no worries on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Two Chefs Karon! Let’s jam all night long at Two Chefs Reggae Night! Hear the Two Chefs house band play your favorite reggae hits and transport you to the Caribbean! Who doesn’t like that?! We also have our All You Can Eat Jamaican Inspired Mixed Grill for just THB495! Message us NOW to book your table! Live music starts from 8:30pm and goes late Reservations are highly recommended. You can book on our website at WWW.TWOCHEFS.COM or find us on Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK/TWOCHEFSTHAILAND You may also call us directly at Two Chefs Karon 076-286 479 COME FOR THE FOOD STAY FOR THE FUN!

THU

21 NOV

Great Wines of Italy @ The Nai Harn James Suckling will bring his successful event for a third time to Phuket’s iconic The Nai Harn Resort. More than 40 of the top Italian wine producers and winemakers of worldrenowned estates will personally be present at the event.

Guests will be treated to a multi-course live cooking dining experience at the casual open-air setting of Reflections rooftop terrace. For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or fbsec@thenaiharn.com or check out https://www.thenaiharn.com/dining/james-suckling/ ALCOHOL MAY BE A HEALTH HAZARD.

SAT

14 NOV

30 NOV

Thailand Health & Fitness Expo 2020 The inaugural Thailand Health & Fitness Expo from 30th January to 2nd February 2020 will showcase brands and services related to the health, fitness and wellness industry.

A four-day extravaganza featuring an exhibition as well as workshops and networking events. Among scheduled events are a sportswear fashion show, healthy lifestyle seminars, healthy cooking workshops, group classes, dancing, DJs and live music. For more information please contact Munlika Boonyawong on +66 (0) 76 600 225 or email munlika.b@ jandevents.com or info@thailandhealthandfitnessexpo.com

EVERY DAY

Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show 2019 Don’t miss the biggest boat show exhibition in Thailand! Taking place at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, South East Asia’s largest marina complex. Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show represents many of the world’s leading boating, marine, water toys, properties, and luxury goods. Making the 2019 show a must-attend event for everyone.

BCCT Multi-Chamber Phuket Briefing & Networking BCCT in cooperation with Australian, Canadian, EABC, French, German, Netherlands and Singapore Chambers of Commerce invites you to a Multi-Chamber Phuket Briefing & Networking. Victor Smith, Chair of The Commission on Arbitration & ADR for the International Chamber of Commerce Thailand and Chair of the Thailand Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, will speak about Avoiding Court Disputes with Arbitration in Phuket. After the briefing, join us for business networking. Time: Briefing 5.00 - 6.00 pm/ Networking 6.30 - 9.00 pm Cost: -The briefing is free to attend but pre-registration is required. Please state briefing when making a booking -The networking is THB 500 for BCCT members and participating chambers and THB 900 for non-members payable at the door. Booking: please email banthita@bccthai.com

SAT

16 NOV

FRI

22 NOV

Chow Down for Charity On November 30th, dine at one of our exclusive participating restaurants, savoring the unique Chef’s Table menu specially created for the evening. 100% of ticket donations go to Phuket Has Been Good To Us to teach English to underprivileged children. Seating is limited! For bookings and inquiries: tina@phukethasbeengoodtous.org or 080 143 9554 or message Chow Down For Charity on Facebook!

WED

4 DEC

The much-awaited BISP Soccer Sevens, hosted by British International School, Phuket - BISP, will take place on November 22nd-23rd, 2019. This exhilarating football tournament will feature over 1,500 players, 152 teams and 37 international schools! For details, email sportsadmin@bisphuket. ac.th and visit www.bisp7s.com

23 NOV

Christmas Fair 2019 We invite you to join UWCT and the Phuket community in a fun filled family day in celebration of “The Season for Giving”.

The 2019 Fair will host A Christmas Wishing Tree - come select a child profile and help fill Santa’s Sleigh for Charity, Christmas Themed Student Performance, a Santa’s Grotto with family photo opportunities, Retails, Sustainability and Ecco Friendly focused Gift and Services Stalls, a fantastic array of Festive Stalls, and Games for all to play. 2:30 - 6:30 Free Entry. UWC Thailand.

TUE

LAGUNA PHUKET TRIATHLON 2019 Join the Race of Legends this 23rd & 24th November, and rub shoulders with world champions at 26th Laguna Phuket Triathlon. Now with Sprint Distance and Charity Fun Run. Compete in this award-wining triathlon race amidst the

Prime at Rock Salt Prime at Rock Salt is the home of smoke and fire at Naiharn Beach. An exclusive eatery, Prime offers a collection of roasted, smoked and chargrilled creations from its custom-designed kitchen. The al fresco dining experience is completed with panoramic ocean views across Naiharn Beach. Open Daily 6.00 – 10.00pm. For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or rocksalt@thenaiharn.com

24 DEC

Festive Season 2019

The Exotic Fishing Thailand 1.5 Million Baht Tagged Fish Challenge

Come and celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve oceanside style. We are offering an exciting program as you bid farewell to 2019 and look ahead to 2020 at The Nai Harn Phuket overlooking beautiful Nai Harn Bay. Please contact us for more details at Tel: 076 380 200 Email: fbsec@thenaiharn.com Reservation, The Nai Harn Phuket, fbsec@thenaiharn.com, 076 380 200.

From Nov 1st to March 1st. Test your fishing skills Phuket and Catch a Monster fish and Monster Prize. 50 tagged fish with 50 prizes valued at over 1.5 Million baht. Anyone can enter for just 1,000 baht in addition to your daily fishing ticket ................. Exotic Fishing Thailand, Phang Nga, exoticfishingthailand@gmail.com, English 088 379 9377 and Thai 081 199 5922.

Effortless Running Clinic

@thephuketnews

Come and visit Two Chefs between 20 September until 2 November during the World Cup Rugby 2019! For only 295 Baht Two Chefs will prepare a delicious deep-fried chicken burger or a beautiful chicken parmigiana for you, while you watching the exciting World Cup Rugby Games all day and night! And if you do need some hydration, just order an icecold drink for just 99 Baht! Book your table now at twochefs. com/twochefsreservations or call our branch in Kata (076333-370, opens 8am until 12am) Karon (076-286-479, opens 5pm until 12am) or Patong (076-344-914, opens 12pm until 12am. And of course our Houseband will entertain you with some amazing live music starts from 8pm every day! Come for the FOOD, stay for the FUN!

BISP’s 18th Annual Soccer 7s Tournament

SAT

Remember that Effortless Running feeling you had as a child? When you felt you could run forever? Every movement just flowing naturally, like it is supposed to? Well, you can feel that way again! You will learn how to run effortlessly with very simple and easy to follow techniques. As a bonus, instant bio hacks to transform into a more healthy lifestyle.

From 8am-2pm. Location Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach. Price THB 2,000 per person, includes - Video Gait Analysis. darrenscherbain@gmail.com

World Cup Rugby 2019! at Two Chefs

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. Which side of the road do people drive on in mainland China?

2. Are there more wild or captive elephants in Thailand?

3. Who was the only American-born member of the Monty Python comedy troupe?

4. Ralph, Jack and Piggy are characters from which dystopian novel?

5. Which artist designed the logo for Chupa Chups lollys?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Easy

47. Airline to Across Amsterdam 1. Rehandle 5. Major tourist island 48. Not your average hot dogs 9. Gangling 57. Some roulette 14. Uniform bets 15. Put your hands 58. Blemishes together 59. Kind of platter 16. Combined 60. Gift recipient 17. Fashionable 61. Prompts clothing store unpleasantly 18. Things to do 62. Born’s partner 19. Shade of white 63. Gather for 20. Go-with some oneself meat choice 64. Real last name 23. Expert flyer of Meat Loaf 24. Electronics 65. Takes to court company 25. Say Down 29. Pupil’s locale 31. Luminesce, in ad- 1. 1988 charttopping country speak album 34. First name in shock 2. Pre-holiday days rock 35. One who’s always 3. “GoodFellas” actress Mazar looking down 36. Animated cartoon 4. Like a line, briefly 5. Time-teller’s character contraction 37. Desserts 40. Suffix with social 6. Subtitle of many biographies 41. Scowl 7. Door securer 42. Result 43. Front for Moines or 8. Till 9. Fragrant flowers Plaines 10. R&B singer 44. Joan of rock Baker 45. Bidding 11. Forbidden fruit 46. Popular surfing 12. Joint with a cap spot

13. Japanese coins 21. Kind of seal 22. Group of people 25. Mad 26. Uplift 27. Myers and Douglas 28. High cards 29. Enter 30. Part 31. Shrub 32. ____ Elise (luxury car) 33. Attack 35. Detect 36. Trig. expression 38. Tiny organism 39. Swarms 44. James and Jackson 45. Melancholy, musically 46. Gives a hidden mic to 47. Australian hopper, for short 48. Lick ___ promise 49. Capacity 50. Fey who wrote “Bossypants” 51. Dog of literature 52. Large number 53. Some alerts, for short 54. Wise man 55. Blunted blade 56. Foam

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 3) Terry Gilliam; 4) Lord of the Flies; 5) Salvador Dali.

1) Right; 2) More than half of the 7,000 elephants in Thailand live in captivity;

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

6.3

out of 10 is how the average adult rates their happiness, according to a 2019 study.

95

percent of the time, the average person’s car is parked.

5,531

is the most amount of patents held by one person (prolific Japanese inventor Shunpei Yamazaki).

250,000

Sunset at Surin Beach. Photo by Poria Cyrus.

Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

deaths per year in the US are caused by medical errors, the third leading cause of death.

48.8 million

international passengers travel through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport every year.

Source: Uberfacts

This week in history November 1, 1512 The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, is exhibited to the public for the first time.

November 2, 1936 The BBC Television Service is initiated, the world’s first regular, “high-definition” service. The channel, now BBC1, runs to this day.

November 3, 1986 The Lebanese magazine AshShiraa reports that the United

November 6, 1944 Plutonium is first produced at the Hanford Atomic Facility in Benton County, Washington. It is subsequently used in the Fat Man atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan.

States has been secretly selling weapons to Iran to secure the release of seven American hostages held by pro-Iranian groups in Lebanon.

November 4, 1922 In Egypt, British archaeologist Howard Carter and his men find the entrance to Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

November 5, 1605 Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes is

The hands of God and Adam on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. arrested for planning to blow up the UK House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament.

November 7, 1861 The first Melbourne Cup horse race is held in Melbourne, Australia. It continues to this day and is known as “the race that stops a nation”.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Jobs

GE UR

NT

Wanted- Designer HTML Eflyers

Designer and creation of HTML responsive email marketing newsletters. Excellent written English, must be able to use Campaign Monitor . Please email CV - personalassistantphuket@gmail.com

@thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

GE UR

NT

Admin assistant wanted - Part Time

Excellent and Writing and Computer skills. (English Mother tongue) Home based. Send CV -.personalassistantphuket@gmail.com , personalassistantphuket@gmail.com

Marketing Executive

Art House Real Estate is looking for Native Russian speaking, basic salary plus commission. info@arthouse.asia, 089 594 6888

Chinese Marketing Manager

Art House Real Estate is looking for Chinese speaking, basic salary plus commission. Art House Development Co., Ltd, info@arthouse.asia, 089 594 6888

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

@thephuketnews

26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Trades & Services

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICE

OTHER

TRAINING

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Speedboat for Sale

14.2 m Speedboat, named Rayao DD, is still in a good condition with 3 engines, four-stroke engine, Yamaha manufacture. The boat is owned by 1 owner for 1 year (2018) with well maintenance. 4,400,000, Jane, social@karonseasand.com, 062 842 486.

CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT Toyota Fortuner 2007 for sale

200,000 km. Two owners. Smart TRD 3.0 Good condition! Great deal! Call now!! 590,000 THB, Nony, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand, Nony_ntp@hotmail.com, (Eng/Thai) 099 2650808.

G UR

EN

T

Car rental @fair prices

Low season prices Monthly from 10,000 Baht. Daily from 400 BHT. High Season from 12,000 monthly. All our cars are in very good conditions at affordable prices. From 10,000 BHT monthly, Stig Johansson, 110/78 Moo 2 T Pa­klok A Thalang 83110 Phuket, stigisaan@gmail.com, 0848474377.

7 seater for rent

We have a New top-model Sienta 7 seater for rent. Has reverse camera, mag wheels, leather and automatic sliding doors. Available from Sept 7. Price daily or per month.

0848474377. stigisaan@gmail.com

@thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE LIKE BRAND NEW

2014 Ford Focus S white w/ black leather interior, sunroof, full options, one owner, accident free. LED front, black roof, 9,400km.

Ted Blenkers, Chalong Phuket kapitanted@ gmail.com, 0899085199

Mitsubishi Mirage 10/2018

9 months old, 9,000km, first class insurance. Like new. THB 360,000. Andy, Call 082 281 5976 ENG/098 059 8714 THAI

COMPUTERS, LAPTOPS Lenovo Nova Notebook 530

Approx 2 months old. CPU Intel i3 - 7130V. 2.7 GHz Ram 8GB Storage 128G SSD Windows 10 14� screen Plus pen./ headphones and carrying case Cost approx 24k baht. Kevin Carter, Unit 5/ 220 The Base condo phuket 094 3146995, knc552015@gmail.com

COMMUNITY Play Bridge

Come and join our happy group of Bridge players. Whether you are a beginning or champion, you will have a great time with people from many countries.

Didier, 080 142 8122.

Lost dog in the Patong - Kalim - Kathu area.

Female by the name of Lola. If you see her, please contact 0620611191.

MEMBERSHIPS Golf Membership

Phuket Country Club. Family membership. Two golf courses. Walk or buggy.

Reduces for quick sale. 300,000 baht plus transfer fee. Alan, paradise11@mac. com, 084 065 7590

MEMBERSHIPS Loch Palm Memberships

Loch Palm Memberships with share (family) 340,000+1/2 transfer. Call 089 594 4067.

PROPERTY WANTED Allamanda 2 Bed Freehold

Hi, Am looking for a 2 Bedroom Freehold Unit at the Allamanda in Laguna.

Budget is 8million baht. Can contact me on wandererthomas1@gmail.com Thanks in advance!

U RG

ENT

3 Bedroom Condo Wanted

Looking for 3 Bed Condo/Apartment any area of Phuket for 3million Thai Baht or thereabouts. Please email mick11468@gmail.com. Thanks! B3,000,000, Mike

Willing to Sell / Rent Property in Laguna?

Willing to sell or rent your property in Laguna area?

Please contact me raisa@rl-property.com +66 (081) 737 1687 (Viber, WhatsApp, Line) Raisa Sheludkina, Railand Property International., 46., Lagoon Road.,Ch erngtalay.,Thalang.,Phuket 83110., raisa@rl-property. com, 0817371687, 076324448.

House Wanted in Chalong

4 Bedroom House Wanted in Chalong for under 10 million baht. Please email me at mick11468@gmail.com

PERSONAL SERVICES Tom Jones Of Philippines

Has been doing a show in different country here in Asia like Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Macau, China, Japan, Canada and here. He is now in Phuket, Thailand. For special occasion please call. Jun Alvarez (AKA), junalvarez331591@gmail. com, 096 592 6297 / 094 947 7712.

28 CLASSIFIEDS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell SERVICES

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Credit and investment in private section

With honesty, we are offering credit and investment in private section with excellent condition.

Please feel free to contact us for more information. Georgette, GEORGESVALLER@ financier.com

SPORTING GOODS, EXERCISE Oceanus Speargun for Sale

▪72cm speargun ▪2 new Dunlop bands with wishbones ▪1 stock steel spear ▪1 tempered-steel Salvimar spear ▪10m of multifiliment line Rawai, Phuket, 618921323.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

Saturdays Residence beautiful condo in Rawai. Tastefully decorated with class. Short drive to beach. All condo amenities. Looks so good that you do need to see to believe. You will fall in love at first sight. B6,300,000, Dimitry, phuket@thairesidential.com, 082 030 7199

PROPERTY FOR RENT

White sand beach

29 Rai with breathtaking views and 128 meter of white sand beach frontage on Koh Yao Yai , just 20 minutes from Phuket away , secure Chanote tittle , public concrete road , water, electricity and ready to build for sale direct from owner for only 5.5 mln per Rai. Montha, montha_phuket@yahoo.com, 095 0147888.

Casa Lagoon Phuket House 4 Rent

We have four houses with AmaZing Lagoon view Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, fully furnished available for short & long-term rental in a quiet area located in Koh Kaew area Phuket 0624236499.

OCEAN FRONT LAND

7 Rai with 185meter of ocean frontage, 800 meter from Yacht Haven Marina on Phangnga side, water, electricity, concrete road on the back of property, building permission for 12 two story pool villas. For sale direct by owner for only 6 mln Baht per Rai. + 66 95 0147888.

2-Bed Furnished Kathu House for Rent

2bd/2bth furnished house for rent in Kathu near Loch Palm Golf Course. See link for more photos and details. www.kathuhouseforrent.com B13,500, May or Wes, wes@pillarmarketing.com, 0899733276

OCEAN FRONT VILLA

3 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 10 meter infinity swimming pool , maid quarter ..., fully furnished and ready to move in .., usable area of over 330 sqm ....., very convenient located in a gated community at the south end of Aopor, 50 meter from the ocean , 150 meter from the new Sheraton Grand Bay Resort , 3 minutes from Grand Aopor Marina , 20 minutes from Airport and shopping centers..., for sale directly by owner 22.9 mln. + 66 95 0147888.

4BED 4BATH VILLA FOR SALE

Sale by owners! A secure 4-bed 4-bath with a swimming pool and beautiful garden in Baan Suan Loch Palm. 5 mins to BIS, 12 to 15 mins to Central, Patong and Phuket Town.

0873800065. jenjiramountford@gmail.com

Shophouse near Boat Lagoon

MUST SELL Nice shophouse near Boat Lagoon 30% below market. Bank financing optional. Buyer pays transfer fees. https:// bit.ly/31621Pb 30/12 Moo2 Thepkrasattri Rd, Koh-Khao, Phuket THA 83000, 0922537251, info@remxep.com

Seaview land Nai Harn Beach

2.5 rai of superb seaview land overlooking Nai Harn bay & the Andaman Sea, ideal for deluxe villa (s) or resort. Walking distance to beach. Email development@amsasean. com Henri.

Dream Village Phuket house

2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated.: new water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen. 0870608400 engl/deutsch, price is negotiable picharly@gmail.com, 66870608400

Villa in Patong prime location

Villa in center Patong , top condition.

Can generate 1.3 MB tourist rental income p.a. 3 bed, 3 bath, 160sqm living.

Furnished, garden. Ms. Manatchanok, 0800409411.

Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm land, very quite aera, 2 km mission hill golf, 6km UWC, 8 km airport. owner finance. 0870608400 engl/ deutsch, price is negotiable. 10.9MB, picharly@gmail.com

UR

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TS

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PROPERTY FOR RENT G UR

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Absolute Beachfront Pool Villa

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Absolute Beachfront Pool Villa, 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom, fully serviced. Short Term Rental from 35‘000 THB/Week to 195‘000 Month depend on Season. Long Term on Agreement. sunparasol@ gmail.com, +66 91 040 8869

4-Bedroom House for rent

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms furnished house for rent. 7 minutes to BIS. Newly renovated. Swimming Pool and Garage. 65,000, Owner, Baan Suan Loch Plam, heitmann@hlbthai.com, 081-8996557 (Eng)/ 088-7602825 (Thai)

Thalang House for RENT

RPM by owner

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi. All round beautiful views. Completely furnished to a high standard. Very motivated owner leaving Thailand. Available to agents. Priced just REDUCED to 15MB or offers. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com

2 Bedrooms, semi-furnished with next door gym and smiming pool. 199/167 Moo 9 Thepkasattri Rd. Thalang Phuket, 089 882 9246 sawasdeeka84@hotmail.com

Condo in Patong for Rent

Full-furnished studio with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchenette, mountain view, and free wifi. 2 Rooms available; 66 sq.m and 88 sq.m. Start from 25,000 THB/month, Jane, social@ karonseasand.com, 062 842 4861.

1 Bedroom Condo Kata For Sale

Lovely condo at Utopia Kata for Sale. Completed in 2017 and close to Kata Beach. Fully furnished. Close to restaurants and amenities. Great views. Rental programme. Full facilities. Dimtry, 082 030 7199. B7,100,000

2 Bed Condo Bangtao Phuket

Mandala Condominium - Wonderful spacious condo. Great location near Bangtao beach and Laguna. 184sqm with private pool and tropical gardens. B15,900,000, Andy, 083 800 1888

CONDO FOR SALE THE DECK PATONG

44 sqm Condo for sale at THB 5,200,000 – Parking space included – Quiet Unit – email: sale. hd.design@outlook.com - 66937198098.

PROPERTY FOR RENT

COMMUNITY

Super villa for sale

Super villa for sale. 4 bed, 4 bath, 450 sqm private pool villa, 500 sqm land, Heavily reduced price 14.9M. Call +66 (0) 92-6950329 15.000.000,-, +66 (0) 92-6950329.

Karon 1 Bed Condo for Sale

Karon Butterfly hillside condo for sale just 800m from beach. Amenities close by. Fully furnished and condo facilities. Great investment in great area of Phuket. Shuttle Bus to Beach and Rental Program. A must see!!!! B4,300,000, Dmitry , phuket@thairesidential.com

7 Bed Boutique Hotel for Sale

A unique opportunity to buy a beautiful, fully licensed and 100% legally compliant boutique hotel business in Cherng Talay.

The resort has full restaurant, alcohol and cigarette licenses. B30,000,000, Mike, phuket@thairesidential.com

1 story building for rent

150m2 - Located in Allamanda 1 Laguna Phuket is available for rent. Rent is negotiable especially for long term lease. 096 646 6287.

Stunning Ocean Views!

4 bed/bath large pool villa. Privately located in Cape Heights Cape Yamu.

Furnished. Gardens. Fiber WiFi. 80,000/rent long term or 30 million to sell. Richard, Cape Yamu, Phuket, richarddesmondcapeheights@yahoo. co.uk, +66824203270, WhatsApp

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

SPORT 29

Phuket Power claim Outrigger Summer Touch Rugby crown RUGBY

Runner-up Glen (left), Robert Knight with his trophy, club owner Nid (centre), Dean Lambert with the plate title, and Dot Baker. Photo: Supplied

Old guard takes Lawn Bowls title LAWN BOWLING

Robert Knight

P

ossibly the strongest field ever assembled took to the green at Kamala Lawn Bowls on Tuesday (Oct 29) as 16 hopefuls competed for the first of this season’s majors at the Kamala Lawn Bowls Club Championship.

Eight nations were represented as all knew it was going to be a tough ask to lift the trophy with four knockout rounds including the final to negotiate.

Some of the club’s previous winners and favourites fell at the first and second hurdle, meaning many of the “new contenders” progressed to the latter stages of the competition.

The only survivor in the semi-finals from the “old guard” being defending champion Rob Knight.

Also in the semi-finals were “new boys” Rupert Keams of Australia, Janne Angel of Sweden and Glen Collins of England.

Glen showed the fine form that had taken him to the semi-finals by beating Janne comfortably, while in the other semi-final a mixture of experience, guile and good fortune saw Rob prevail.

The final was an all-British affair, and in the early exchanges Glen sneaked ahead 3-2 before a rain delay.

After play resumed 30 minutes later, Rob regrouped and managed to sneak ahead. Only a crucial “clutch” bowl on end number 9 with Glen holding 2 shots at the time enabling him to enter the final end with a 2-shot lead but still with all to play for.

Experience possibly played its part, as Rob delivered an almost unbeatable bowl with his

@thephuketnews

Glen and Rob in action. Photo: Supplied 2nd, which he was then able to protect, helping him win the championship by a score of 8-5. The margin of 3 not totally reflecting the performance of Glen.

Certainly Glen will benefit from the experience of his first “major” final and his performance, along with the performances of the other “new kids on the block” has sent a warning shot over the bows of the “old guard” for future competitions.

In the Plate final for 1st round losers Dean Lambert was victorious over Dot Barker.

The competitions are open to all, Kamala Lawn Bowls Club (Soi FantaSea Kamala) is open 6 days a week, casual attire only required and all equipment provided. For further information contact the club on 095-2761587.

THE PHUKET POWER muscled their way to another championship title as touch rugby made its way back to the ACG Cricket and Sports Facility (ACG) in Thalang.

Eight teams took to the fields last Saturday (Oct 26) in search of bragging rights in the Outrigger Summer Touch Rugby Tournament, sponsored by Outrigger Laguna Phuket. The player numbers were slightly inflated by the excitement of the Rugby World Cup semifinal between England and New Zealand shown live in the Clubhouse directly after the crowning of the local champions.

Teams included representatives from hotel resorts on the island as well as a mix of staff, students and parents from three international schools (UWCT, BISP and HeadStart International School).

The Phuket Power, winners of multiple titles over the years, proved to be too strong on the day, with its

Another big win for the Phuket Power team at the Outrigger Summer Touch Rugby Tournament in Thalang.

Photo: Supplied balanced mix of athletes, experience and the exuberance of youth.

Marcus Price from the Must Tag Sally Team won the ‘Newcomer of the Tournament’ award and Zinzan Olsen from the Phuket Power won the ‘Junior Player of the Tournament’ award for his 6 tries and relentless energy.

Touch Rugby has been a part of the ACG activities for a few years now and there is a growing push for it to become a regular fixture.

Practice is held each Wednesday from 4:30pm-6:30pm at the ACG, where all are welcome, free of charge, no matter experience or fitness levels. The practice time is a window time frame, so no need to attend for the full period, just as long or short as time and fitness allow.

Follow the ‘Phuket Touch Rugby’ and ‘ACG Cricket and Sports Facility’ pages on Facebook for more information.

Jason Robertson

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Precision prevails for Mercedes

F1 title on ice despite Hamilton’s championship drive BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

L

ewis Hamilton’s unforeseen victory at the Mexican Grand Prix mightn’t have been enough to seal his sixth title, but it was a drive worthy of a champion.

The Briton’s 10th win of the season brings his career total 83, just six shy of Michael Schumacher’s all-time record, and with an average win rate slightly higher than 10 grands prix since 2014 it’s easy to believe the 34-year-old had it easy.

But to allow Hamilton’s Mexican victory – and others on his growing list of hardfought triumphs – to pass by as merely de rigueur would do him and the Mercedes team with which he’s so formidably partnered a great injustice.

Mercedes and Hamilton shouldn’t have been in contention to win the Mexican Grand Prix. In recent years the German marque has failed to respond to the high-altitude

Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton powers his car during the Mexican Grand Prix at the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit in Mexico City on October 27. Photo: AFP demands of the Circuit Hermanos Rodriguez, which snakes its way through a public park at 2.2 kilometres above sea level. The thinner air means cars generate less downforce, engines are less effective and cooling, a key Mercedes weakness, is extremely difficult.

Instead the preceding two editions of the race had been

won by Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, and only Ferrari, with its indisputably class-leading power unit, was thought likely to challenge the prevailing form. So when Hamilton qualified half a second off the pace and fell to fourth on the first lap with a damaged car there was no reason to believe expectations

could be upended.

But write off Hamilton at your own peril.

Ferrari learnt this the hard way. Discounting the Briton as a threat, it deployed polesitter Charles Leclerc from the lead to cover an erroneously early stop by Red Bull Racing’s Alex Albon, committing him to making two pit stops in a

race that was rapidly evolving towards requiring just one.

It left Sebastian Vettel alone and vulnerable at the head of the field.

Mercedes went on the offensive. With almost 50 laps remaining it called in Hamilton for a set of hardcompound tyres, estimated to have a life of only 40 laps, with the intention of leaving him out until the end of the race.

“It feels like we stopped too early, man,” a doubtful Hamilton remarked almost immediately. He had reason to be concerned too – he was actively adapting his driving style to compensate for the downforce lost from his broken floor.

Fer rari passed up the opportunity to match the strategy, wilfully surrendering Vettel’s track position to Hamilton assuming the Briton would run out of rubber and either crawl to the end as easy meat or be forced into a second stop. It was a fateful miscalculation.

Hamilton thrived under the pressure of his unlikely

task, his ongoing apprehension over team radio belying his consistency behind the wheel.

Methodically he worked to keep his tyres alive while improvising his way around the deficits of his damaged car, allowing Vettel to slowly reel him in while ensuring he would have enough performance in reserve to fend off a late challenge.

By the time Ferrari realised it had been had, it was too late. Vettel crossed the line an excruciating 1.7 seconds behind Hamilton, the fine margin a testament to the Briton’s perfectly judged defensive masterclass.

The seed of victory was sown by an inspired team strategy call, but it relied on the driver to seize the slender chance and execute.

Lewis Hamilton did so with millimetric precision in yet another demonstration of the depth of skill possessed by the five-time world champion.

And next weekend in the United States he’s almost certain to make it six crowns, an achievement undoubtedly worthy of one of F1’s finest.

Millions promised to stop animal cruelty HORSE RACING AUSTRALIA’S RACING industry on Monday (Oct 28) pledged millions of dollars for the care of retired racehorses, in an effort to address fallout from animal cruelty allegations that sparked major outcry.

National broadcaster ABC revealed this month that thousands of retired animals were being sent to abattoirs in secret, and allegedly beaten before being killed.

Racing Victoria said it would spend at least AUS$25

Racing Victoria officials say the industry needed to “step up and do more”. Photo: AFP million over the next three years to expand an existing program of rehoming retired horses and create a new taskforce designed to prevent cruelty to racing animals.

Separately, the Victorian

Racing Club said 10 percent of ticket sales from the Melbourne Cup Carnival and five percent of annual membership fees would go toward a new equine welfare fund, which it is seeding with an initial Aus$1.5 million.

The racing industry insists that less than one percent of retired horses end up in an abattoir, but reports claimed about 4,000 horses “disappeared” each year, with meat from slaughtered animals being shipped abroad for human consumption and pet food.

AFP

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

SPORT 31 English Premier League 2019 - 2020

A brief melee broke out after Eric Dier scored for Spurs in their meeting last December – both teams are struggling this season under their own internal divisions. Photo: AFP

Stuggling north London clubs look for turnaround FOOTBALL AFP

T

ottenham Hotspur’s players invited their manager and coaches to a bonding dinner in a fashionable London restaurant last week as a way of helping turn their season round, something their north London rivals Arsenal might want to copy.

Both the North London giants hopes of contesting the title are already over – barring a remarkable Liverpool and Manchester City burn out. They will instead be embroiled in the attritional battle to make up the already significant gaps to Leicester and Chelsea to secure a Champions League spot.

The problem for Spurs may largely be a lack of form: just two wins in their last nine games.

The Gunners, on the other hand, are struggling with

both poor performances and internal division.

Granit Xhaka’s tantrum at being substituted after Arsenal had surrendered a two goal lead in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace highlighted the continuing rift between supporters and players.

When fans booed Xhaka, the Arsenal captain fired back ‘Fxxx off.’ On the sidelines team-mate Lucas Torreira wept. Three of the Xhaka’s team-mates visited him at home that night.

According to the British media Arsenal manager Unai Emery will not unilaterally decide who is captain and will consult the squad, who chose Xhaka by secret ballot in the first place.

Some critics argue that this democracy highlights the Spanish manager’s failure to show firm leadership by not choosing the captain himself.

The Xhaka saga piles more pressure on the 47-year-old

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1761: Saturday November 2 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Not Long Enough, Fungus, J.C. Location: Ban Manik – Anthem Wakepark Directions: From Heroines monument drive West towards Cherngtalay approximately 2.23 km turning LEFT HHH through the large gold & red temple gate (note sign for Anthem Wakepark) then on for 1.15 km and turn RIGHT HHH to laager in the rubber.

Coming from the west coast drive through Cherngtalay past the police station toward Heroines Monument. Exiting the town of Manik turn RIGHT HHH at the large red & gold temple gate just before the road divider starts. Continue as above.

Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 14:45 | Kamala @ Aussie Pub: 15:15 More info: phuket-hhh.com

@thephuketnews

former Sevilla and Paris Saint Germain coach.

Arsenal are fifth in the table but that gives a false picture of stability. They have only won two of their last eight Premier League matches.

Many have questioned whether Emery has had the impact the board hoped following the stagnation of the last years under their most successful manager Arsene Wenger.

“We were better under Wenger,” an Arsenal director remarked acidly to The Sun following the Palace draw.

Hector Bellerin, the third captain in the squad-voted hierarchy, called for calm and unity.

“We are all humans, we all have emotions, and sometimes it’s not easy dealing with them,” he tweeted.

“It’s time to lift each other up, not to push each other away. We only win when we are together.”

‘Has to be strong’ A source at the club, who spoke at length to The Daily Telegraph, said Emery’s refusal to play mercurial German Mesut Ozil – apparently with the consent of the board – has also caused internal consternation.

The often infuriatingly inconsistent Ozil has been sitting on the sidelines while £72 million ($92 million) summer signing Nicolas Pepe has struggled to find his feet in England. He has scored only a penalty in eight Premier League starts, although he hit two in the Europa League last Thursday (Oct 24).

“You’ve got to wonder who is making the decisions.

Has the coach been told not to play Ozil or does he have a problem with the player?” the source asked.

“It may be that he is feeling pressure to do what the board wants, but he has to be strong and make his own decisions.

Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Liverpool

10

9

1

0

23

8

+15

28

2

Manchester City

10

7

1

2

32

9

+23

22

3

Leicester City

10

6

2

2

25

8

+17

20

4

Chelsea

10

6

2

2

23

16

+7

20

5

Arsenal

10

4

4

2

15

14

+1

16

6

Crystal Palace

10

4

3

3

10

12

-2

15

7

Manchester United

10

3

4

3

13

10

+3

13

8

Sheffield United

10

3

4

3

9

8

+1

13

9

Bournemouth

10

3

4

3

13

13

0

13

10 West Ham United

10

3

4

3

12

14

-2

13

11 Tottenham Hotspur

10

3

3

4

16

15

+1

12

12 Wolverhampton

10

2

6

2

13

13

0

12

13 Burnley

10

3

3

4

14

15

-1

12

14 Brighton

10

3

3

4

12

14

-2

12

15 Aston Villa

10

3

2

5

15

16

-1

11

16 Everton

10

3

1

6

10

16

-6

10

17 Newcastle United

10

2

3

5

6

15

-9

9

18 Southampton

10

2

2

6

9

25

-16

8

19 Norwich City

10

2

1

7

11

24

-13

7

20 Watford

10

0

5

5

5

21

-16

5

Spurs striker Harry Kane has urged his team to ‘stick together’ to turn around their current slump. Photo: AFP “It is creating a strange atmosphere within the squad because nobody is really sure what is going on.”

Compared to that, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino’s problems might appear simple. Although there are background issues with players whose contracts are about to expire, he probably just needs one big win can turn round

his side’s season.

The charismatic Argentinian believes the players inviting him and the coaching staff for dinner last Thursday (Oct 24) was a positive sign “It is going to help in the long-term,” he said. “In the dynamic of the group, this team bonding, for different players or the new players, makes the group stronger.”

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Touch Rugby returns to Phuket > p29

FIRST BLOOD

Loma’s win in UFC debut a first for Thailand

Loma Lookboonmee kicks Aleksandra Albu in her UFC debut in Singapore on October 27. Photo: Singapore Maven

MMA JP Mestanza tv@classactmedia.co.th

I

n 15 minutes, the doors of the Thai MMA landscape were swung open, turned by the hand of a 52-kg monster.

Her name is Loma Lookboonmee.

The 23-year-old’s UFC debut was not only the first time a Thai fighter stepped into the octagon, it was also

the first win for Thailand in the sport’s premier promotion.

The Buriram native, who has well over 200 professional Muay Thai fights, impressed in her women’s strawweight bout against Moldova’s Aleksandra “Stitch” Albu in Singapore last Saturday (Oct 26). Using clinical Muay Thai skills, peppered with tactical grappling and defense, Loma was able to snatch a split decision win at UFC Fight Night 162.

“This is more than I could

ever have expected,” Loma said in a post-fight interview.

“To actually get here and to actually win is beyond everything. I’ve never had a drink before and my coach [George Hickman] told me if I win I have to have a beer. So that’s what I’m going to do.”

A long-time Muay Thai standout, Loma sharpened her MMA skills at Phuket’s famed Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Training Camp in Chalong, where her coach, George

Hickman, alongside a stable of high-class training partners and coaches, prepared her for the equally-grueling world of cage fighting.

“If it wasn’t for the team at Tiger Muay Thai and my family I wouldn’t have the win I had today. I owe it all to my team,” said Loma.

Loma’s journey from the boxing rings of Thailand to the bright lights of the UFC octagon has seen her turn heads all over the world. Her

record of 4 wins and 1 loss tells the story of someone who’s been able to learn from every setback and move forward with the confidence of an experience veteran.

Last Saturday’s debut saw Loma lean on her Muay Thai skills – clinching her opponent and tripping her seemingly atwill while throwing in strong knee and elbow strikes.

“I knew [Albu] had trained very hard and had come out there to win so I was surprised

about how aggressive she was.

I was happy with my elbows. I had trained hard with them, I threw a lot, and I liked them,” Loma said.

In the win, Loma showcased a level of Muay Thai rarely seen in the UFC cage, made even more impressive in that she had to move up a weight class (from 48kg).

“I came here to fight my own style and to fight the way I train and that’s what I did,” she said.

BISP-Cruzeiro hoist Grab Cup title in Bangkok FOOTBALL Hot on the heels of winning their European U15 title, the BISPCruzeiro Football Academy are celebrating yet another title, this time the Grab Football Cup 2019.

The tournament pit some of the best U16 squads all over Thailand in a five-a-side competition that saw qualifier rounds take place nationwide, en route to the final in

Bangkok on October 12.

“Winning a tournament like this is amazing. It shows us that we are doing something right here in the school, because we played and beat professional teams, with players that usually represent the Thai National Team. That’s the highest possible level in Thailand,” said Assistant Coach Eder Diniz.

During the Phuket qualifiers in September, BISP-Cruzeiro dominated all four of their matches

with scores of 5-0, 2-0, 4-0, and 4-1. Conceding one goal during the entire qualifiers, the team was riding high, but their stable of coaches, led by Head Coach Jonathas Candido, wouldn’t let them rest on their laurels.

The finals on October 12 in Bangkok’s Future Arena Soccer Field was well-attended, with highlevel Thai football officials watching, including Korrawee Pitsananatakul, Secretary-General of the Football

Association of Thailand.

After dispatching two teams in the group stage (by scores of 5-2 and 3-2), the BISP-Cruzeiro team faced their biggest test: Chonburi regional. The team stayed composed and were able to secure a dominant 3-0 victory against high-level competition.

Next up, the team are preparing their players for the BISP Soccer 7s competition at the British International School, Phuket on November

23-24. After that, Coach Eder says the coaches are training their teams to play at international tournaments in Singapore, Brazil (March), Spain (June), and Portugal (July).

The Phuket News thephuketnews